THE RIGHT GIFT FOR CHILDREN
IT is Monday, 20th December and only 11 days until Old Year’s Night. Wow! The time has flown by and soon we will usher in a new year. Presently, most people are preparing for this season. Furniture is put away to ‘fix back’ once the home is cleaned; the paintwork is touched up, and the festive curtains are hung. Delicious foods are bought, stored and prepared for families and friends to enjoy, and people will drink and eat more over the next two weeks than they usually do during any other time of year.

There is good reason to rejoice and be happy we have made it to the end of the year; what better way to appreciate and cherish loved ones than to spend this special occasion together. Exchanging gifts is also a tradition that marks the season’s significance, and children especially look forward to receiving toys, new clothes and treats.

Regardless of how much people try to avoid it, they usually get caught up in the hysteria accompanying Christmas. They buy presents they cannot afford, take things on credit with little (or no) means of paying instalments, and generally spend money they don’t have. Wherever this season finds you financially, emotionally, socially or religiously, if you have children, take the time to sit down, relax, and think about prioritising their needs — not their wants, desires, or requests, but their needs.

For parents, it is easy to get swept along with the tide and overlook some of the apparent needs that children require for healthy development and progress. Life is busy, parents must meet responsibilities, and children are part and parcel of the mix. There is little time for regular, meaningful conversation and time and attention are seldom given or paid to them.

At this time of year, parents may focus on material gifts and things that will make a child happy to the point of indulgence in some cases. There is nothing wrong with ‘spoiling’ your young ones for a day (or season). But what children need above all are parents and adults around them who make it their duty to love and protect them. Parents who are approachable, who show compassion and understanding. Children need to feel safe in their homes, environments and communities. Only adults can ensure that this essential element of their lives is in place. Children rely on adults to look out for them and safeguard them from harm and danger. They strive well, socially, emotionally, intellectually and morally, when they know they are safe, cared for and appreciated by adults.

Children do not have the mental capacity to tell parents or adults what may be lacking in their lives; they are resilient and adapt to the circumstances set before them. If affection, attention or appreciation are scarce, they rarely recognise it and point it out. They are too busy being children. When parents work together in a child’s best interest, they can anticipate their child’s needs. Although every parent and child is different, adults can succeed through trial and error, which stems from the adults’ will to do right by children.

Parents who want the best for their children will realise where their love is needed, where a word of encouragement is necessary and where there is room for improvement. Self-reflection is essential if parents intend to be true to themselves and, in turn, true to their children. Are you providing the best environment to raise your child? Do you consistently overview safety issues? (e.g. inappropriate touching, peer pressure, following the crowd versus thinking independently, etc.) Have you taught and upheld a high standard of morals in your home? (honesty, integrity, humility and respect for one’s self and others, justice and compromise)

The gifts children need are all of these, plus good nutrition and health, confidence and self-esteem. Only parents can invoke these qualities in their young ones, by role-modelling and consistency in their words and deeds. Parents can help children socialise safely by asking questions, getting details and (for older children) monitoring their whereabouts — building their independence little by little as they grow. Not every child will be a number one scholar, but ensuring that your child has access to good education and helping them achieve their best is a beautiful gift that children will remember and cherish all their lives.

There is plenty to consider when raising children. The correct balance can elude parents if they are caught on the treadmill that life quite often affords us, full of daily routines, obligations and more than often playing catch up to financial, domestic and socio-emotional issues and needs. During this season, set aside the festive hype and merriment for a moment to connect with your child. Find the space and time to interact significantly and find areas in your relationship where you can make improvements for the future if needs be.

Raising children is like building a wall. Once you have laid each brick soundly along the way, the wall will hold fast and withstand all types of weather. But if your bricks are defective here and there, the wall may look strong at first glance; however, it will not be viable.

ON BEHALF OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, ANN GREEN AND THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION OFFICERS FROM ALL REGIONS OF GUYANA WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU SEASON GREETINGS; HAVE A SAFE AND MERRY CHRISTMAS
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY,
MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY