Lessons That Can Only Be Learned During the Holidays

Holidays are joyful occasions when families who have been apart come together, but they are valuable for another reason as well: they give parents an opportunity to teach children about family.

Parenting expert Cathy Lynn says family values cannot be taught to children during the holidays through books or flash cards. Lynn says that whenever the whole family gathers, parents must show their children firsthand what is right. Children are always watching their parents and learning by imitating them. Parents should therefore set a good example and guide their children well.

Holidays, when the whole family gathers, are a good time for parents to emphasize the importance of family values and teach children proper manners. These values include distinguishing right from wrong and behaving properly when guests visit the home.

The beliefs, traditions, and customs that matter to parents can influence their children to adopt the same beliefs. If their children are already attending school, they may interact with other children who have different views about the holidays and were raised in a variety of circumstances.

Parents should encourage their children to learn from classmates about one another’s different family traditions. Only then can parents teach their children about traditions practiced in other households.

There is one more tip. Cathy Lynn advises parents to cut back on unnecessary activities so children can focus on the positive aspects of days when the whole family gathers. During Chuseok or Lunar New Year, it is better to arrange a simple gathering where family members can come together and spend time with one another than to plan a hectic event that could leave everyone unhappy.