Kids spell "love" T-I-M-E

Well, we are smack dab in middle of the season to spend hours on the internet looking for the perfect Christmas gift, or stand in the remote control car aisle of a store agonizing over which model is the best. Well, at least I hope we're all doing that and it's not just me! :) Of course Christmas is an incredibly special time of year, and we spend time choosing gifts because we care so much about their recipients and our holiday traditions. But while we're decking the halls and scouring the malls, here are a couple of ideas to keep in the back of our minds. I read them recently on a parenting website and have been thinking about them ever since:

• Spend more time playing with your kids than you spend shopping for them.
• Remember that the "gift" your children really yearn for is YOU.

I know it may sound cheesy, but truly the more I read and the more I work with children, the more I believe that quality time with caregivers is healing for kids, and that there is no substitute for undivided attention and unconditional love. You've probably heard the saying that kids spell "love" like this: t-i-m-e. Of course I can't speak for everyone, but I can tell you that from my perspective on the frontlines here at school, it sure seems to ring true! So, this holiday season, I hope you'll find every "perfect" gift you're searching for, and also find ample time to enjoy the "gift" of your children too. :)