What Are You Teaching Your Children During the Holiday Season?
By Kathleen A. Matchunis, B.A., M.S., Certified Professional Coach
During the holiday season, we try to keep in mind the importance of spreading love and peace. We try to remember those less fortunate than ourselves and to be kind to others. What virtues are you teaching your children during the holiday season? Parents, ask yourself these questions:
- If you are teaching love, are you loving to everyone, including those family members who can get on your nerves during the holidays?
- If you are teaching generosity, are you generous just with people who are generous with you, or do you give freely to those who have no way of reciprocating?
- If you are teaching compassion, do you put aside your judgement to truly try to understand the circumstances of others?
- If you are teaching peace, do you model how to handle conflicts with friends and family to find resolutions? Do you show your children how to respectfully disagree with someone and have an interesting exchange of opinions?
- If you are teaching what the spirit of the season means to you, do you obsess about gifts or do you keep your gift giving to a reasonable level, focusing on the spirit of the season?
We can quote Hallmark cards and wish everyone a “Merry Christmas” or a “Happy Holidays” but if your children see you not really showing love, generosity, and compassion, your actions will speak louder than your words. Children will imitate more what they see than what they hear.
We will all be challenged with extra contact with our immediate and extended families during the holiday season. How will you choose to see joy this holiday season?
Original content by Kathleen Matchunis, Educator, Professional Academic and Life Coach, providing customized coaching for teens and parents in person and via Skype. Website: www.connectinginc.net Call 954 294 9708 for a complimentary initial consultation. Like us on Facebook: acebook.com/connectinginc and check us out on Yelp