No matter their holiday tradition, parents work hard to make memories for their children. Children, however, just want to be included and involved in the hustle and bustle of the season — baking, decorating, shopping and wrapping gifts.
Including children in these activities often seems like it creates more problems than it solves. But with a little patience, parents may find the results rewarding.
Older children can sit down with you and draw up a budget for gift-giving. This provides them with lessons in mathematics and following a budget as well as in generosity.
Encourage children to offer gift suggestions for family members. You may be surprised at their level of interest and insight.
Allow children to assist you when wrapping presents. This will stimulate their problem-solving abilities, especially with large or odd-shaped presents.
Get the children moving outdoors by letting them assist in decorating for the holidays. While they hold your tools, your children can also calculate the exact number of light strings it will take to decorate the porch.
Let them participate when you haul out your baking supplies. Not only will children get a simple lesson in the chemistry of baking, decorating cakes and cookies will encourage their artistic inclinations.
The holidays may be a break from school, but they don’t have to be a break from learning. Research has shown that when parents and teachers work together, children are the winners. These simple activities encourage children to see how education prepares them for life in practical as well as creative ways.
By allowing and encouraging children to engage in these holiday activities, parents are not only building memories, they’re stimulating learning. Both last a lifetime.
Edithe Fulton
president
New Jersey Education Association