When the Christmas holidays approach, the shopping frenzy "to make fun for children" is never far away.
In France, the average budget per child is €130 .
That's a heck of a lot, isn't it?! Especially when you have several!
Too bad because, according to a study by the largest British association of psychologists, we should rather spend all this money on... de s family vacation.
Why ? Because 2/3 of the gifts we give our children are actually neither wanted nor interesting for them . Explanations:
Oliver James, a well-known child psychologist, believes that "giving more and more material objects for Christmas to our children only benefits the industrialists, not the children".
Not to mention that the older they get, the more expensive the gifts become...
All of this is done "at the expense of family holidays, which are so beneficial for children", according to Oliver James.
For children, a trip with those they love enriches them now AND long after, thanks to all the memories they will carry with them.
Many parents think that a trip must be "exciting" or original to interest children.
They believe it should match their tastes, interests...
Well, you know what? This is false.
What matters are all these things they will discover arriving in a new place.
Even if some things may seem "boring" to them at first glance, like visiting a museum, they will thank you afterwards! It's 100% sure :-)
So there's no need to rack your brains looking for THE perfect destination. Remember that our children see the world differently from us.
Small details can thus escape us, but particularly amuse them and make them beautiful memories.
For example, the culinary habits of such a country or the way young people of their age dress...
This is another reason not to make "culture" the sole program of your vacation.
For Dr. James, we must "let our children find their own way of exploring a new environment and asking the questions they want".
In fact, what matters to them is above all to be able to prolong these (so rare) carefree moments with their parents.
Those moments when everything becomes like a game because everything is new.
We must not forget that the rhythm of life of children (school, exams, activities of all kinds...) is often as stressful as that of adults.
Holidays are therefore as essential for them as for us, to disconnect from the daily pressure.
They are a precious moment when the whole family relaxes and has fun together.
Of course, toys are also made for fun. The problem is that many of the gifts we give children today lead them to isolate themselves from the rest of the family.
Yes, the days of multiplayer board games are far behind us.
Today, everyone is in their room, in front of a screen, in their own world... What a pity!
While travel is like a game for many. It's a shared experience around a delicious ice cream or a visit to a majestic site.
These are the memories that will be really valuable to our children in their future life, much more than material gifts that will end up in the trash in a few months.
It may sound too good to be true and yet...
Dr. Sunderland, a renowned neurologist, has demonstrated in a study:traveling as a family helps children's brain development.
In addition, it strengthens his ability to concentrate.
In short, it's all good!
So what are you thinking of getting your kids for Christmas?!
For me, between tons of expensive and uninteresting gifts and family memories, the choice is quickly made!
Are you convinced? And you are looking for an original gift idea for your children?
Why not offer them a short family stay on a farm?
It will cost you a lot less than buying video games and you will have great family memories. Here are 2 sites that offer this type of family activity:La Ferme du Château and Family Trip.
