Parenting Secrets of Santa Clause
Posted: Monday, December 24, 2007
by Emmett Pennington
Step Dads 101.com
HO HO HO! Its that time of year, Christmas time! What present can I give to you that could give you lots of joy for the year? Parenting Secrets from Santa Clause...
Santa's Secret #1: You can't do it all in one day. Santa and his elves work all year on toys and gifts to get ready for Christmas. Lets face it, there is a push to "Change your life in 10 days," or to "instantly change your ways..." BUT, you can begin to change today, to improve and realize it takes practice and time to get it done. You can get closer with your step kids, but one day won't do it. Santa's number one secret is to work all year long on getting closer with your step kids.
Santa's Secret #3: You need a goal in mind. Santa gets his elves to work all year long for one day. He keeps them motivated by knowing that Christmas is coming, all year long. To keep you going, you need a goal in mind. Start with little goals, like spending 30 minutes one on one with your step kid. You can go to the park, and if you do, don't just sit and watch, jump up and down with them. OR take them to the movies and notice what they laugh at, what makes them turn their heads. You can begin to notice what they notice, a real key in learning their internal and external strategies.
Santa's Secret #4: Don't put poison lead in the toys, so don't put poison in your relationship. I'm sure you have read or heard about imported toys having Lead paint in them, dangerous for kids. But have you heard about step dads that poison their relationship by words and their own behaviors? I saw one night how a step dad used such harsh words with his step son that his step son ran out of the room. I felt the negative energy in my body. I too left the room and later called out the step dad while we were alone. He didn't have a clue what his words had done, his old habits where just that, habits. A way for him to fall asleep at the wheel and keep driving. Don't poison your step kids. Learn new ways, and give them and yourself a chance!
Santa's Secret #5: Don't give your kids sugar an hour before bed. Lets face it, when you excite a child you have to let them have the time to enjoy the excitement. Don't promise them that you will do something and then the next day put it off because you're tired or too busy. You will never hear anyone say on their death bed that they wished they had spent more time watching their favorite T.V. show. So EXCITE your kids, and let them enjoy the excitement.
Santa's Secret #6: Gifts are about giving. Its funny as I think about my childhood how I don't remember a particular toy I got or didn't get. I do remember waking my mom and dad up at very early times in the morning because of my exitement. I do remember sitting on Santa's lap for the last time knowing that Santa was real. I remember my family getting together for that day. And that is special. My kids don't remember a toy they got a few years ago or one they didn't get. They do remember going out and cutting down a Christmas tree every year and bringing it home. So give a gift to your step kids that they will remember every day; Give them a hug, even if it feels awkward. It starts with one little hug and then begins to feel comfortable for you. But, if you let the awkwardness hold you back you are not giving the gift. Give the gift of a lifetime. Give love!
Well there you have it. Parenting Secrets of Santa Clause. I hope you and yours have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy the egg nog and enjoy giving to each other!
Love.
Wishing you the very best,
Emmett, Visionary Step Dad
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