NANA SAYS CHILDREN CAN HELP WITH CELEBRATIONS

Letting children help to organize and plan their own events start to build skills that will last a lifetime. Sometimes they will pick the same old, same old. What do you want to eat? Pizza or hot dogs or whatever is their favourite. What theme do you want? Often the favourite of most other children but it gives some say in what is happening. Who cares what is on the napkins? If the child decides then it makes the celebration more inclusive of the child. Adult celebrations can often use a child's influence. I often let the older grandchildren help with the place cards for a festive table. Family celebrations can be simple or complex but a child feeling a part of it builds memories! Some children even learn to make their own birthday cake! Imagine the pride of one little boy recently for his 10th! As adults we are usually in a hurry to get things done so exclude the little helping hands. Slowing down takes patience but is worth it in terms of confidence building with our children. A gingerbread house at Christmas! Painting Easter eggs! Making cookies for a barbecue! Well you get the picture!