Why do the holiday season seem to bring out the worst in people? And why do some parents treat their kids like they’re not even human? It’s puzzling, isn’t it?
I genuinely love the Christmas spirit—creating special moments for my kids, exchanging gifts, baking cookies, and enjoying festive meals. This year feels a little calmer for us. We’ve just wrapped up my daughter’s school play, and I’m finally taking a breath after a busy semester. I’m ready to enjoy the holidays without stressing about everything that needs to get done. Whatever happens, happens—and I’m okay with that.
But, despite my love for the season, I can’t shake off the sadness it brings. Many parents seem to go a bit overboard this time of year, and I find myself at odds with mainstream parenting practices more than ever during the holidays.
I can hardly express how much I dislike certain trends that pop up around Christmas. For instance, I recently came across something called “present jail,” where one mom posted a photo of a cardboard box filled with presents. She suggested that any child who misbehaves would have their gifts locked away until they could “earn” them back with good behavior. I couldn’t help but think: Seriously? Why do we have to treat kids like this?
I’ve spoken about this before, but I can’t help but hope that someone out there might see things differently after reading my thoughts. The whole concept of making kids “earn” gifts is outdated and downright cruel. Gifts should be given freely and without conditions. If you buy a present for your spouse, do you hold it ransom based on their mood? No! So why do it to kids? They’re still learning how to navigate their emotions and the complexities of life. They need our love and guidance, especially during this time of year.
Imagine the mixed messages they receive when we tell them they have to earn their gifts. It’s disheartening to think that we could teach them that gifts come with strings attached. The holidays should be about love and generosity, not a power struggle.
Let’s be honest: I’ve had my moments of frustration lately, and I’m not perfect. But neither are our kids. They deserve our kindness, understanding, and, yes, our generosity. Whether it’s through meaningful experiences, homemade gifts, or something they’ve been wanting, giving should feel good. Who wants to hold presents hostage? That just feels wrong.
We’re built for unconditional love and generosity, and our kids need to feel that from us. They should know that we’re their biggest supporters, standing by them when times are tough. This holiday season, let’s remember to treat our kids as we would want to be treated.
So, please, let’s choose kindness. Be nice to your kids this Christmas. Let them experience the joy of giving and receiving without fear of punishment.
And if you’re considering starting a family or exploring options like at-home insemination, check out resources like Make a Mom for helpful information. They even have an interesting guide on how at-home insemination works. For those interested in the practical side of things, their at-home insemination kit is a great option. You can also explore specialized kits like the intracervical insemination syringe kit for enhanced fertility chances. And if you want to dive deeper into fertility topics, the Cleveland Clinic has an excellent podcast episode on IVF and fertility preservation.
Summary
This holiday season, let’s remember to treat our children with kindness and love, rather than as beings who must earn their gifts. Emphasizing unconditional love and generosity can foster a more positive and nurturing environment during the holidays.
Leave a Reply