Who Decides

Oh-oh, I hear the collective sighs of “it is Holiday time again– already!” Now I have to decide what gifts to get, how to spend the holidays, who to invite, what to wear, what to eat, what not to eat... honestly, sometimes I just want to be told. I want to just do things without having to think or decide. Kids have it great.

I think many of us feel this way sometimes. I often hear parents relinquishing their authority and asking their children, “What do you think we should (fill in the blank)?” Sometimes the children’s answers make sense. But, other times, since there may not be any guidelines for the child, the response is impossible to fulfill which can lead to arguments or tantrums. After all, no one likes to have his or her opinion rejected.

At KidsPark, we find asking kids questions work best if we:
Ask questions within the child’s realm of reality. For instance, they know what food they like so they can answer a direct question – “Would you prefer chocolate or vanilla ice cream?” Assuming, of course, you have both.

Ask open-ended questions only if the answer can be implemented. If the question is “What kind of ice cream would you like?” will you be willing to go pick up the Rocky Road flavor if you don’t have it?

Limit questions to only answers that will be acceptable to you. Remember the old adage only ask if you know the answer? Now, I get it. In other words, if you ask, “What do you want to do this afternoon?” and the only acceptable answer is go grocery shopping, don’t bother to ask. The better question is “We have time after grocery shopping to either go to the library or take a walk. Which would you like to do?”

At the end of the day, the only answer that always worked at my house was, “I’m the Mom.” In other words, the buck stops here. Many people reject this type of answer because dictatorships are not popular. But, in reality, the answer simply reinforces a parent’s role as the person responsible for providing a secure environment for their family. I think children want to feel they are being taken care of and are safe.

Who made the decision becomes less important when parents are in the moment with their children and making any activity fun and imaginative. Of course, to be in the moment with your children you need to have had time for yourself so you can be relaxed and focused instead of thinking of all the things you still need to do.

I distinctly remember an afternoon with my daughter. Out of the blue she simply stated, “This is delightful”. Delightful? This was not a word I used or heard often – where did that come from? But, it captured the essence of how she was feeling. Delightful has become a part of my vocabulary and it is reserved for those special times when things just fall into place.

I wish you and your family a delightful holiday season! Thank you for sharing your children with us and letting KidsPark be part of your family’s support system. It is a treat and an honor.

	- Check your local center for Holiday Hours and New Year’s Eve parties. - Year-end Statements for taxes are available upon request in January. - Our preschool welcomes new enrollments all the time. January is a wonderful time to start. Remember, there are no additional registration fees; you pick your schedule and pay as you go. - Click over to KidsPark.com to see our new website! We think you will enjoy the ease of navigating to your neighborhood center.

Click to see even more of what is going-on at your local center.

Great food, gifts, parties... it’s all at KidsPark. Join us! Happy Holidays.

Holiday Gift Workshop

Friday, December 12 – Sunday, December 21
We supply the materials to design and create something handmade with love.

Cookie Decorating

Saturday, December 20
We supply cookies, frosting and delightful sprinkles to create an edible holiday treat.

Ice Cream Party

Saturday, December 27
No matter the weather, it is always time for a sweet treat. Let the kids enjoy the KidsPark Soda Fountain.

Happy New Year! Let’s create something new for your “clean slate”.

Bio Paint Day

Saturday, January 3
Put on a smock, grab a brush and experiment with new and unique Biopaint techniques. It is a vibrant paint that beautifully showcases your child's art.

Clay Creations

Friday, January 16
Ooze, squish and pat – nothing better than the feel of clay. Clear a space on the bookcase and turn a spotlight onto the new creation.

Lego Creations

Saturday, January 31
We’ve pieced together a great day of lego projects. So pop-in and stick around for all the fun.

Check your local center for dates and times.