The rule of the 4 gifts at Christmas
Four is the amount of gifts that experts recommend to give at Christmas to children. The rule of the four gifts to avoid consumerism at Christmas and unleash the whims of children is to select only four things based on four principles.
Christmas is the ideal time to teach values to children and the truth is that the gifts, which they want so much on these Christmas dates, can be a very valuable educational vehicle to show the true value of things.
Educate with Christmas gifts: the rule of the four
And it is that educating with Christmas gifts is possible if we follow the rule of the four gifts that experts recommend, and that is based on selecting the following:
1. A useful gift that can be worn. It can be something of clothes, accessories, shoes, something for the hair, for the neck, bracelets, pendants ... It is advisable to pre-screen the children to find out what they are most excited about this year.
2. An educational gift. In this section, books take on a special role. To select a personalized book for children, it is advisable to keep in mind the age, the theme they like, if they prefer them with illustrations or not, if they have an ebook ...
3. A gift they really want. Among all the gifts that children write in their Letter to the Magi there is always one that stands out among all and that is what really makes them very excited, that is, the one they most want. Having the detail of finding it is fundamental.
4. A gift they really need. As much as to give with that gift that really needs them and that can be to practice his sport or his favorite hobbie.
The rule of the 4 gifts: it stops consumption at Christmas
The idea is to bet on quality and not quantity, a real challenge in this consumer society in which we live. Thus, as follows the II Study on Happiness and Childhood prepared by Imaginarium, 24.03 percent of Spanish parents believe that the main cause of happiness for their children during Christmas are the toys they will receive during these dates, ahead of other options such as making plans as a family or the fact of having vacations at this time of year.
However, when choosing toys it is important to keep in mind that:
1. At less age, less toys. Very young children should receive a small amount of toys to be able to get excited about them and use them properly. When young children receive many toys it is easier for them to get distracted and not play with any of them. It may even be advisable not to receive them all at once, but in several days and distributed among the homes of family and friends. The toys that are most suitable for them are those that promote their motor and sensitive abilities.
2. You have to think of a personalized gift. The choice of the gift should be thought through thinking about the personality of the child, their age, their abilities, their tastes ... without being influenced by fashion or advertising.
3. It is better to choose toys that encourage creativity and feelings. Stimulation toys are those that help children boost their imagination and their fantasy, their creative capacity. Choose toys that help you discover, dream ... help children in their development and growth.
4. Toys that encourage movement at home and outdoors are recommended. Drag toys for children and those that favor movement such as balls, tricycles or bicycles are ideal to avoid sedentary lifestyle and are very fun and entertaining.
5. It is convenient to give toys that promote social relationships. So much playing with dad and mom as with other children is fundamental for children to develop social skills and learn to lose and win as part of life. Choose games that encourage these social relationships.
6. It is worth giving with common sense. The way to deliver the gift, the number of gifts, their variety ... create a special climate that should be taken care of by the parents so that giving a gift is positive and this special moment does not end in tantrums.
Marisol Nuevo Espín
Advice:Imma Marín. Game and education specialist and member of the Imaginarium expert committee
