Merry Everyday

Make Christmas Everyday

Tis the season the BE PRESENT!  May each and every one of us spend time this holiday season really being with the ones we love, really listening, acknowledging and sharing their space with open hearts and open minds.  I am hearing more and more dread coming out of the mouths of people regarding this festive season; complaints about the pressures of gift giving, of spending time with in laws, of charities on every corner asking for donations, complaints about making huge meals, hosting family gatherings the list goes on and on….

Dave, Amy & Ariel

Dave, Ariel and I live everyday as if it were Christmas.  We celebrate each day, we wish each other the best day ever, we rush to hug and kiss in the morning and we say how happy we are to see each other. We are present in each others life each and everyday.  Christmas really is no different for us.  None of us has a spec of stress about the season, we just live in peace, harmony and joy the year round.  By incorporating the concepts of generosity, cheer, giving, loving and joy into every day, Christmas is stress-free and honestly could pass without any of us noticing…… Sorry to be the little drummer boy here… but the secret of happy days and therefore happy Christmas days is to be present each and every day, make that your focus… the rest is all just joyous activities that you can choose to do together if it moves you.

I read this ditty out of a newsletter from a Niagara children’s drop in centre.  I cut it out and hung it on the fridge, so i have no references available.  If anyone is aware of the source, please let me know so that I am able to give credit. In no way am I attempting to plagiarize!

This article is about the parent child relationship… however, I believe we should all practice (here we go again) being present within all of our relationships.

Merry Everyday and LOVE to ALL.  Amy, Dave & Ariel xxxx

“Distracted Parents” – Author Unknown

More and more technology is becoming a part of our everyday life. We use our cell phones and our computers on a daily basis and sometimes several times a day and we often seem to be caught in a whirlwind of texting, emailing, chatting, tweeting, blogging and so on.  As parents and caregivers I think most of us are realizing that we are becoming increasingly attached to and distracted by our technology devices.

However, it may be time to step back, have a look and think about what message this ends to our children?  At the park recently I saw a young boy trying to get his father’s attention.  ”dad, Dad, Dad” he called with increasing frustration as his father continued to stare into his blackberry, tapping at the buttons and telling his son, ” just a minute”.

How does an interaction like the above make a child feel?

How does a interaction like the  above impact a child’s esteem and confidence?

As a parent, you are the most important person in your child’s life. Our children crave our undivided attention and interaction in order to grow and develop emotionally, socially, and physcally. Children who receive plenty of praise and encouragement feel good about themselves.  Spending time with your child and being available when they need you will make them feel worthwhile and let them know that they are valued as a person.

Your job as a parent includes:

• Building communication skills through listening and talking together.
• Using positive parenting to guide your child through life’s ups and downs.
• Establishing a nurturing relationship built on love and trust

Enjoy your time with your child, develop their social skills and help them to become good communicator by:

• Finding time each day to enjoy our child’s company and have some fun together
• Doing fun things together a family on a regular basis
• Getting down to their level and pay attention to what they have to say
• Giving them love and attention every day
• Praising their efforts and achievements
• Taking the time to ask your child about their day
• Telling your child you care
• Helping your child to make friends
• Arranging special play dates with your friends and family
• Modelling by using words like ” please” and ” thank you”
• Encouraging your child to set goals, do things for themselves and evaluate their own achievements
• Encouraging your child to express their ideas and make decisions
• Talking about the things your child does well
• Comforting your preschooler when they are upset, sick or hurt