Peace at Home Blog

Looking for the perfect last-minute gift for the holidays?

December 21, 2022 | Ruth Freeman

Parents sometimes stress about thoughts that aren’t really true. 

• You might tell yourself that because your child seems to love a totally messy room, they’ll never get their act together as an adult. Not true. 
• You might stress when your child’s homework is incomplete. In reality, homework is an assessment tool for the teacher to learn about your child. Trust the teacher to handle this information and respond effectively. 
• You could even believe that if you find the just right punishment, your child will cooperate. Not really. You can scare them into compliance, but research is very clear that in the long run you will not win long-term behavior change with punishment. 

So what are you telling yourself about holiday gifts for your kids? For many of us those thoughts are not only inaccurate but can actually be harmful to us, the people we love, and even our holiday spirit.  It isn’t about the gifts. It’s about you.  You are the perfect holiday gift.

Research tells us that what kids want most is your full on, exuberant presence. When you look in each other’s eyes, you actually lower stress and increase feel-good brain chemicals. When you have fun with your kids you are signaling safety and joy which is what they want and need most. So instead of rushing around for last minute gifts, take time together. Bake cookies, read a favorite holiday story, play a game, draw together or go for a walk – ask them what they would like to do (that doesn’t involve technology).  Time together with your relaxed, undivided attention is the best gift of all and the one you will all remember.  

Let Peace at Home Parenting support you throughout the year with proven solutions and compassionate support for you. Connect with our compassionate experts about prenatal development through young adulthood, supporting your kids’ mental health, creating a safe home when the world feels unsafe, guiding children with ADHD or Autism, raising LGBTQ+ youth and more.  

Remember you can’t give what you don’t have, so let us help you address parental burnout, be your own calm center and apply essential and easy parenting principles to help you and your family thrive.  

From now until the end of the year you can purchase your Peace At Home subscription for just $197. Join us to find your own way to be present, positive and connected with your family. Nothing is more important. 

Looking for More Support?

• Search for what you need
• Explore our Resource Guides, with quick videos and other resources, for every age and stage
• Check our calendar of live events

Questions? Email us at solutions@peaceathomeparenting.com

And now for the shameless plug…
Don’t have a Peace at Home Parenting Portal? Let’s fix that. Ask your company, school, or favorite neighborhood group to join us. We’ve got Corporate, K-12 School, and Family Service programs that bring calm to the chaos—no yoga mat required. Click here to join as an individual or family.