The Best Gifts To Give To Your Child

I recently viewed an info-graphic about the best gifts for teens. After reading it, I immediately thought this is actually true for middle and late childhood, adolescent, and young adult stages of life.

As with each year, the holiday season has snuck up on us and many of us (children and adults alike) are creating holiday wish lists. Many of the items on these lists are tangible things. Things we want but don’t necessarily need. How often do we take time to think about our wants (something you would like to have) and needs (something you have to have)? Which one is useful with respect to activating our creativity, recognizing our originality and increasing one’s confidence and self-esteem? I am convinced that wants are good, but needs are vital for a child, teen or young adult’s behavior to monitor itself.

Here are 8 gifts that can be given on a daily basis. When thinking of a gift for your child, consider these in lieu of the items on their wants list.

• Be a model of healthy behavior. The days of “Do as I say. Not as I do” are out of sight in the rear view mirror. The best way to accomplish this is to practice what you preach. If you ask them to not be rude and interrupt people when they are speaking, then you need to do the same. Modeling good behavior is an extremely powerful change agent.

• Establish explicit boundaries. You must have limitations for most things. Your child’s knowledge of the boundaries allows them to make informed decisions with respect their actions and decreases the chances of making a poor decision.

• Be consistent with disciplinary actions.  Establish age-appropriate consequences for unacceptable/inappropriate behavior and FOLLOW THROUGH with the consequences when that behavior is exhibited.

• Gradually allow independence.  Independence is not to be taken for granted. It should be earned by gaining a parent’s trust. Teach your child about safety, responsibility, and accountability. Provide them with opportunities to prove themselves before you will allow any increase in their independence.

• Provide unconditional love.  Love your child/children for who they are, not who/what you want them to be. Avoid living out your unfulfilled dreams (e.g. playing college athletics) through. They are special because they are a part of you.

• Be calm when responding to unpleasant news regarding them.  Children feed off of your energy. If yours is negative, theirs will be negative also. When your child asks or tells you something that is upsetting and or shocking, stay calm and respond appropriately as a rational adult. If your reaction is always agitated, they will seek others to get their questions and concerns answered.         

• Have open lines of communication. Let them know you will always answer their questions no matter what the pertain to. Answering their questions honestly builds trust and provides a sense of security.

• Be willing to discuss sexuality. Many children these days are growing up much faster than they should (no fault of their own). They are exposed to sexual innuendo and content via multiple forms of entertainment as well as their immediate surroundings. Be sure to openly and honestly speak with your child about love, relationships and sex. It is best that you provide educated answers rather than have them getting answers from questionable sources. Click here for an age-by-age guide to talking with your child about sex.

          Try giving your child these gifts. I am certain they will greatly appreciate it and in turn you
          will raise a confident, level-headed, and trustworthy child who will be successful in all
          facets of their life!


          Have you given any of these gifts to your child?

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