ZisBoomBah

Slowing down for a few good moments together may take some practice, but the reward of creating lasting happy memories is worth every effort you put into it.

Your time and undivided attention is the greatest gift you can give your children this holiday season. It’s free – and yet slowing down and having a few good moments together as a family can cost parents all they can afford in terms of determination, focus and awareness of what we do with and say to our children. The following steps will help you experience some quality family time together before school starts again in the new year:

Create a peaceful environment 

Spend a few minutes organizing the room where you will be spending family time together. Toss toys in bins, clear away dishes and put magazines and papers into neat stacks. Turn off the TV, computer and cell phones. You can put on soothing music, but sometimes hearing nothing at all is even more tranquil. Suddenly, you might begin to notice the sounds of your home. Listen consciously for a moment; it’s never completely quiet in a house, even if everything is turned off.

Playfully meditate together

Meditating may sound like a tall order for young children. However, it usually is easier for kids than it is for adults, as children don’t tend to “overthink” it the way we do. Keep it short and simple; five minutes tops. Have each family member sit in a comfortable position (e.g. legs crossed or tugged under) on a soft pillow or sofa cushion on the floor, hands resting on thighs.

Often to parents' surprise, children are naturally good meditators.

Meditation cues for kids could be:

• We are practicing being still and quiet.
• Feel your breath going in and out of your nose.
• Take a deep breath, fill up like a balloon—now slowly let the air out with a humming sound of “mmmmm.” (Or try animal sounds like a buzzing bee or a hissing snake.)
• Feel your body; feel how your feet or fingertips begin to tingle.

Remember that meditating is a very gentle activity; don’t force anything or expect anything particular to happen. Meditation aims at creating happy feelings, so don’t be too serious or disciplined about it. It’s okay if the kids begin to giggle the first time you sit with them.

Learn more about meditation practice with kids from author and mindfulness educator Susan Kaiser Greenland or this introductory article by Sarah Wood.

Tell your own stories

All children love stories. But with the abundance of movies on demand, TV shows and stories on tablet devices at our fingertips, the art of “homemade” storytelling often gets forgotten. Create your own stories. You will be amazed at your children’s imagination and eloquence once they feel that you are truly paying attention to their words.

Ideas for story telling:

• Tell them stories from your childhood. No need for heroic or adventurous plots; just simple stories about what it was like growing up at your house. Remind your children that one day they might be telling their children about what you are doing together during this holiday break. Their childhood memories are being formed right now.
• Fabricate a fictional “chain” story: One family member begins with something like “Once upon a time, there was a little boy who was terribly frightened of…” – then the next person takes over and spins the story further, and so on.
• Have your child tell the story of the family life she dreams about living one day. Does she see herself living in the city or in the country? What will she name her children? What will her hobbies be? Where will she travel on vacation with her own family? Let her thoughts flow freely without judging. This is not the time to steer her towards wanting to become a successful surgeon, after she just told you she wants to open a yearn store when she grows up.

~ Keep in mind it won’t be perfect. Slowing down to be merry together takes practice.