Spending Quality Time with Your Family During the Festive Season - The Wellies Guide!
Posted on 14th November 2024 at 11:58
The festive season is a time for joy, laughter and connection. For many families, it is an opportunity to slow down, spend time together and create lasting memories. But in the hustle and bustle of shopping, cooking and preparing for the big celebrations it can be easy to overlook what truly matters - being present with those we love.
Here at Wellies Nursery, we understand how important it is for children to feel connected, loved and supported. And this doesn't just mean being there physically; it means giving your full attention, listening and engaging with them on a deeper level! So how can you make the most of your time together this festive season? Here are some simple but meaningfull ways to be present with your little ones, helping them feel valued and cherished.
MAKE TIME FOR FESTIVE FAMILY TRADITIONS
One of the best ways to be present as a family is by creating or continuing simple festive traditions. Whether it's decorating the tree together or reading a special Christmas story before bed, these traditions bring everyone together. For little ones, repeating the same activities each year helps them feel safe and excited, knowing what to expect and looking forward to the next step in the tradition.
PUT AWAY DISTRACTIONS
In today's world, distractions are everywhere - phones, tablets and work emails can easily take our attention away from the people right in front of us. This festive season, why not make an effort to limit screen time and focus on being present with each other? Consider having 'tech-free' nights or weekends where everyone, young and old, sets aside their phones, tablets and computers. Use this time to engage in games, conversations and activities that bring everyone closer. Children learn by example, so when you give them your full attention, they'll learn the importance of focusing on the people and activities around them.
GET CRAFTY
Crafting is a fun and creative way to spend quality time with your little ones, and it doesn't have to be complicated. You can make handmade Christmas cards, create paper snowflakes or even ornaments for the tree. Arts and crafts allow children to express themselves whilst also working side by side with their loved ones. The shared experience of creating something together can be a powerful bonding activity and the results will bring smiles long after the festive season is over.
SLOW DOWN
The holidays can often feel like a whirlwind of events and to-do lists, but it's important to remember to slow down and savour the little moments. Take a pause to appreciate the quiet times together, whether it's cuddling up on the sofa for a film or simply enjoying a peaceful lunch as a family. These 'in-between' moments are often the most special because they allow you to fully appreciate each other without any rush or distraction.
LISTEN ACTIVELY
Children love to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences, especially during the festive season when they're excited about all the new things happening around them. Make an effort to listen actively to your little ones - ask them what their favourite part of Christmas is, what they're most excited about or even what they imagine Father Christmas might be doing when he's not delivering presents! Showing genuine interest in their world will not only help you bond but will also encourage their creativity and communication skills.
PRACTICE GRATITUDE
November is National Gratitude Month. We think the run up to the festive season is the perfect time to reflect on what we're thankful for. Practicing gratitude as a family can be a lovely way to connect with each other - take a moment each day to talk about the things you're grateful for. For younger children, creating a 'thankful tree' with paper leaves or drawing pictures of things they're thankful for can be a fun way to get them involved with the process.
QUALITY TIME = MEMORABLE MOMENTS
The festive season is about making memories that will last a lifetime. As parents and caregivers, our children will remember the time we spent with them more than the gifts we gave or the decorations we put up! Being present, listening and connecting will not only help your little ones feel loved and secure
Remember - this year the best gifts you can give your children is your time, your undivided attention and your love!
Tagged as: Child Emotions, Christmas, Christmas Fun, Christmas fun with your children, Festive Play, Reading to your child, Reading With Your Child, Winter Fun With Your Child, Winter Play
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