PARENTS CAN REDUCE STRESS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON BY GIVING THE GIFT OF TIME by Jim Fay For many American families, this holiday season will be much different than others in recent memory. The current economic slowdown likely will affect many people, from the lack of a holiday bonus or overtime pay to the loss of a job. But tight times don’t mean your holidays have to be ruined. Less spending money can encourage families to escape the materialistic view of the holidays and connect with what kids really want from their parents: Time. This is one of a child’s most basic human needs. Our studies and experience at the Love and Logic Institute reveal that kids have a strong subconscious drive to focus on possessions when they do not get their share of time and fun with parents. They try to “fill up” on stuff when they feel empty. By applying some simple techniques, parents can help their kids fill up on relationships instead of possessions. Their view can change from “What can I get?” to “What can I give?” Here’s how: Step One: Don’t hide a tight family budget from the kids. A wise parent does not try to protect kids from reality. This is a wonderful time for kids to see how much it costs to run a family. Kids can handle knowing what is left over at the end of the month and how much is available for entertainment and presents. And this is great preparation for adulthood. Step Two: Talk with your children about the precious gift of time. Nothing heals the heart better than doing something good for someone else. We all saw this when people rushed to help others affected by the tragedies of 9-11. During the holidays, you might ask your children: “Kids, would a box of candy be a better gift for Grandma, or do you think she would rather have you do something she can’t do for herself, like raking the yard? I bet she would probably remember your doing something for her a lot longer than she would remembers a box of candy.” If your kids don’t have the answer, have them talk to Grandma. I bet she can give them a good lesson on the value of time spent versus the value of gifts bought. You also can suggest to your kids that they give “gift certificates” for special services to their loved ones. Likewise, ask that they make a wish list of ways they’d like to spend time with you, and choose activities to offer as gift certificates to them.