Holidays filled with teachable moments for children
It's that time of year. People are friendlier, holiday cheer abounds and as all parents know, winter break is upon us.
With special treats and family gatherings, the holidays are a perfect time to share teachable moments. Let's face it, children will learn all they need to know from us about the holidays. We should begin early instilling the reason for the season, family traditions and enforcing basic skills.
In my mind, the holiday meal is the tie that binds. So, I include my children in the planning and preparation.
One year for Christmas each person in my family chose a favorite dish to add to the menu. I had to include reminders about vegetables, starch and that we didn't want pancakes for dinner, but it was a great experience and it began a holiday tradition.
When it's time to prepare the holiday meal, cover a few ground rules prior to getting started. Teach children to wash their hands with warm, soapy water while singing two choruses of "Happy Birthday" to kill all germs.
Teach your children kitchen basics, such as cracking an egg, gathering the ingredients and following a recipe. Convey to your child the importance of measuring the correct amounts of each ingredient and the different types of utensils you will need to use.
Let your children participate by stirring foods or pouring ingredients. They can also wash vegetables, mash potatoes, press cookie cutters and roll out pie crusts.
All activities should be age-appropriate and ensure that every child, no matter their age, is well supervised.
Let children tag along on shopping trips. Prior to shopping, have children do extra chores to earn money to purchase gifts. I have literally gotten cabinets and drawers cleaned out, floors swept and even dreaded baseboards cleaned in anticipation of earning money. It's a win-win for everyone!
Once you are there, teach children money management by giving them a budget -- even a small amount to take to the Dollar Store will do. Let them pick out gifts for family and friends, but teach them to stay within their budget and include taxes.
Use sales as a way to learn percentages. See a perfect sweater for dad and its 25 percent off? Let the children calculate the percentage off.
In-store scavenger hunts are great to occupy young children in the store. Have them look for circles in the store, and keep track of the number they identify. If they find a specified number -- like 15 circles, for example -- then give them a reward. You can include numbers, shapes and colors as well. I had no idea there were so many circles in department stores.
Look at where products are made and make it a geography lesson. On each label, there is generally a location indicating where the product was manufactured. Ask your child what continent the item is from -- or what city and state.
I was flabbergasted to learn my daughter understood trade and embargo patterns with other countries. A proud mom moment, for sure!
Finally, be flexible. The food may not be camera-ready, and you may second-guess taking children to the store. However, the memories you will make will be well worth it.
Happy holidays!
Contact county Extension agent Keishon J. Thomas by calling 478-751-6338 or emailling thomaskj@uga.edu.
This story was originally published December 13, 2015 at 9:54 PM with the headline "Holidays filled with teachable moments for children ."