EP. 25 - The Best Gifts To “Buy” Kids For Christmas in 2023 (AND IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK)

An interesting 10-minute talk that is compelling listening and couldn’t come at a better time! 

We all want our kids to be happy. We want them to be healthy. To be creative and curious. Interested and interesting. We want them to be liked, to form strong and beautiful friendships, to do well at school, and to have options. We want to hear them laugh, smile, think independently and critically, to be open, kind and full of joy. And, of course, so much of this is out of our control as parents and caregivers. So much is influenced by so many different things. So, we try to control what we can. And, with Christmas just around the corner, the thought of gifts and their influence over our young ones is a pertinent topic. Do we want to bring things into their lives that end up making their lives more difficult? Because things are already challenging enough for them. Will the new iPhone be helpful, or will it end up having negative consequences? Will new clothes or fancy toys lead them down a life of seeking joy in material possessions? Where and how do we strike the balance between what makes them smile now and what will help them lead meaningful and joyful lives long-term? Because, let’s face it, there are going to be presents under the Christmas tree - but what they are could be one of the most important choices we make as parents, uncles, aunties and elders.