It’s the most wonderful time of the year or so the songs on the radio keep telling us. But for parents around the world, the festive season can be the most stressful time of the year.
Thoughts of shopping, cooking and entertaining can often times overshadow the beauty of the festive season.
Agathe Jameson, Principal at Kid’s Island Nursery in Dubai, comments, “One way to bond with your children during this festive season is to practice being mindful. You can be mindful with your children by staying present and fully engaged in the activities that you do together. Carve out quality chunks of time and give your full attention to the task at hand. Your time is more precious than any gift you can give this festive season”
At a recent parent presentation morning at Kid’s Island Nursery in Dubai, parents were given five ways to practice mindfulness as a family this holiday season:
Get Messy in the Kitchen Together the best memories are the unexpected ones. Pick an easy and quick recipe that the children can help with. Let them help mix and stir ingredients. It may be messy but it’s worth it to see how proud they are of their decorated Christmas cookies.
Go Outside what better time than the present to go out and enjoy Dubai’s winter weather. Leave the cell phones and tablets inside and spend some time collecting leaves, throwing a Frisbee on the beach or going for a bicycle ride next to the canal.
Be Playful being a parent doesn’t mean you can’t be silly or have fun with your children. Let loose and just be in the moment, you’ll be surprised how much fun you will actually have. Dance to a silly song or see who can sing Jingle Bells the loudest.
Movie Night make a big bowl of popcorn and settle next to your little one to enjoy their favourite Christmas movie. It’s a time to cuddle, focus your attention together, and share the experience of seeing and hearing the same thing, just like story time.
Make Festive Decorations take some time this holiday season to make some adorable homemade ornaments with your children. Your children will love seeing their baubles hanging on the tree, and you will treasure these keepsakes for years to come. Embrace the imperfectly perfect tree and enjoy making memories.
“It’s what we played, and who we played with, that often leaves a mark on our memories long after childhood passes. Given the positive effects it has on our well-being and happiness levels, family play should be the most important ‘homework’ of all.”
Kid’s Island Nursery in Dubai, believes bonding time is important for healthy brain development in children. It is through parent-and-child-bonding-time that children at a very early age, learn how to engage and interact with the world around them. For parents, the pressures of hectic schedules and technology have changed the meaning of bonding time for many families. Throw in the countdown to the holidays and a perfect storm of distractions can occur. So this festive season, take a moment, slow down and be present!
