Giving the gift of presence over presents

The festive season is here and experts from the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program are encouraging parents and carers across Australia to shift their focus from the pressure of buying presents to the invaluable gift of quality time with their children and being grateful for each other.

Triple P’s 2024 National Parenting Survey found families are likely to be going into the end of the year feeling stressed about how they would afford to buy their children gifts, with almost nine out of 10 families having had to cut back on their spending because of the rising cost-of-living.

Triple P founder from The University of Queensland’s School of Psychology, Professor Matt Sanders, said many families felt pressured to buy things or deliver expensive experiences, but the real impact on a child’s wellbeing came from spending quality time together and expressing gratitude.

“That’s not to say that you shouldn’t buy your kids presents; it’s normal for loved ones to want to give their kids gifts.

“Spending even the smallest moments of time together along with encouraging gratitude in our children can have a positive impact on their overall wellbeing and strengthen relationships.”

“Parents and carers play an important role in shaping our kids’ values and it is often the memories of festive times and traditions with loved ones that our children truly cherish, not just the thoughts of any gifts they received.”

Triple P ideas to strengthen family bonds and promote gratitude this holiday period include:

Take time to enjoy the season together. This could include decorating your house, listening to music, sharing jokes, or going for a walk

Inspire kids to be grateful. Model being gracious by saying thank you when receiving presents and showing children how to be appreciative in those everyday moments

Start a family tradition. These could be free or low-cost, such as checking out the local holiday lights, or having a festive baking session. Spread the joy by sharing the results with friends and family, being grateful for the opportunity to enjoy the moment together, and

Encourage kindness and goodwill. If your children buy or make gifts, or do something nice for someone, praise them for thinking of others and showing festive spirit.

“After what has been a stressful year for many families in our community, parents, carers, and children will benefit from giving the gift that truly lasts a lifetime — the security, joy, and confidence that comes from knowing you are truly loved and valued,” Professor Sanders said.

Delivery of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program to parents and carers of children in Australia is supported by funding from the federal government Department of Health and Aged Care under the Parenting Education and Support Program.

To download free, online parenting support, head to triplep-parenting.net.au