Family Style experts, Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes (http://www.TogetherParenting.com) asked a group of elementary school children, "What would you want for Christmas, if your parents could give you something that doesn't cost money?"
Their answers were simple:
- A friend.
- World peace.
- For my dad to stop smoking.
- I want my parents to listen to me.
What do kids really want? They want you!
Ms. Davis and Ms. Oakes, co-authors of the award winning book, Together: Creating Family Traditions say our shopping bags are out of control. We buy things to make us feel good.
Kids today are feeling overwhelmed by the world around them. They are bombarded with media messages 24 hours a day. During the course of a year, a child watches more than 30,000 TV commercials. Twenty five percent of children under the age of two have a TV in their bedroom.
"Remember for a moment what was important from your own childhood. Was it baking cookies with your grandmother or building a snowman with your dad? This holiday season, we need to stop, slow down, and see the world through a child's eyes," says Ms. Davis.
"Family traditions are familiar, not monumental. Focus on doing things together - decorating the Christmas tree, attending candlelight church service, hosting a caroling party, baking together, serving Christmas dinner to the homeless. Base your family's traditions on your own values. This is a great way to get the kids involved in the holiday season. It takes the focus off of the frenzy of gifts and creates an activity in which the whole family can participate. Sometimes the simplest activity will become a lasting tradition."
Fulfillment is in the journey, more so than the destination.
We've forgotten how simple things can affect us. Ms. Davis and Ms. Oakes want to inspire moms and dads to start their own traditions with their children, to reinforce a warm, loving, secure environment in a world that is anything but. Family traditions should be familiar, not monumental. Grab a few minutes of time whenever you can.
This holiday season, share the gift of time spent together.
It's not about spending money. It's not about the latest gadget or video game. It's about creating celebrations and lasting traditions that come from simple gestures of the heart.
THE AUTHORS
Best selling authors and experienced media guests, Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes have appeared on numerous television and radio shows. Co-authors of the book Together: Creating Family Traditions, they present quick, articulate responses to questions on ways for families to better connect with each other.
Their book, Together: Creating Family Traditions, received numerous awards. It is also recommended for parents by PBSkids.org.
To learn more about Together: Creating Family Traditions, and further information on, Family Style experts Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes and their availability for interviews, contact:
Nine Twenty Press 214-956-9844
214-697-7289 Media hotline
Together: Creating Family Traditions Media Kit