“Children Need Our Presence More Than Our Presents” -Jesse Jackson
With the holiday season upon us, we are reminded that the most valued gifts don't come from a store. While I too love to give and receive presents, I would like to suggest that we think about giving our children a different kind of gift: The gift of TIME. To quote Jesse Jackson, “Children need our presence more than our presents.” When the toys have broken, a newer game system replaces the one you just bought, new clothes have worn out, and the toy that you weren’t able to purchase is all the rage, the gift of our presence in our child’s life will still be available. It is a gift that cannot be replaced and never goes out of style.
Take some time this holiday season to do something fun with your children. It shouldn’t be something that costs any money. The focus should be on you and your child, not the activity. It can be reading to your child, playing a game together, taking a walk together, or anything you can imagine that gives you time to be with your child. This is a gift that will last them a lifetime. Long from now, when your children have children of their own, this will be the gift they can then pass on. It will be the gift that means more to them than any toy or piece of clothing ever could. So, take some time this busy holiday season and give the gift of time to your child. Happy Holidays!
