Parent Corner: Winter Self-Care.
Teaching Gratitude During The Holidays.
The holiday season is bursting with excitement — gifts, lights, and busy schedules — but it’s also the perfect opportunity to help kids understand gratitude. When you teach children to appreciate what they have, you give them a gift that lasts far beyond December. Gratitude starts with awareness. Take small moments to point out the good around you — a warm apartment on a cold day, a friendly neighbour, a family meal together. Kids learn gratitude best by seeing it modelled. Saying thank you to a cashier, writing a quick note to a teacher, or appreciating a small gesture shows them how simple kindness can be. Make gratitude part of your family’s daily rhythm. It’s a beautiful reminder of how much joy can be found in ordinary days. Encourage kids to express thanks creatively. Handwritten thank-you cards are still a treasure, especially after
receiving gifts. Younger kids can draw pictures, while older ones can write a few heartfelt lines. Acts of giving deepen the lesson. Encourage your children to choose one toy or book to donate before the holidays. For older kids, volunteering — even briefly — helps them see the impact of generosity. At dinner, introduce “one good thing” sharing: each person names something they appreciated that day. It doesn’t have to be big — maybe a funny moment at school or a kind word from a friend. Over time, this practice helps shift focus from what’s missing to what’s already wonderful. Keep the spirit of gratitude alive after the holidays too. When decorations come down and the new year begins, start a gratitude jar or keen your dinner ritual going. Gratitude doesn’t just make children kinder — it makes them happier, more resilient, and more connected.
Parents spend much of the winter making sure everyone else is warm, fed, and happy. But your energy fuels the whole family — and self-care isn’t selfish. Start small. Take ten quiet minutes each morning for coffee, journaling, or stretching before the day begins. Go for short walks in daylight whenever possible — even a few minutes of sun can lift your mood. Make rest a routine, not a reward. Trade off bedtime duties or chores with your
partner to guarantee downtime. If you’re solo parenting, try setting “quiet time” where everyone does independent activities for half an hour. Stay connected. Reach out to friends for short chats, even when you’re busy. Adult conversation can do wonders when the days feel repetitive. And remember, perfection isn’t the goal. Some winter days will be messy, loud, and chaotic — but if you’ve taken care of yourself enough to meet them calmly, you’re doing great.
32 | New York Loves Kids | Family Winter Guide 2025-2026
New York Loves Kids | Family Winter Guide 2025-2026 | 33
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