There are still a few days until Christmas, but it is true that the children's holidays are almost around the corner. With them, some parents decide to also take a few days off to spend as a family. Educating in values is a task that should be done throughout the year both in schools and at home. But on these dates is when some important concepts such as solidarity, empathy and tolerance are most emphasized.
Then, What values are important for children to learn at Christmas? I have written a short list of five values that are fundamental to me in the education and the whole development of children. Surely, you can think of many more and I would love to know what they are and if you do any dynamic or activity at home or in schools with your children or students. Do not hesitate to leave comments with your ideas!
Responsible consumerism: you can't always have everything
I know that this section is quite complicated to carry out. At Christmas it seems that all the ads that appear are for toys. To that we have to add that you go to the shopping center you go to, the shelves are already full of cars, dolls, stuffed animals, video consoles ... Obviously, all of this catches the attention of the little ones. And that saturation of toys creates in them an absolute necessity. Of the toys they like, everyone wants them. Therefore, it is very important to start working responsible consumerism at Christmas with children.
I am not saying that gifts are eliminated, but I am saying that they are limited. Children can be told that for the Magi can only three toys. It is clear that the little ones are going to ask for the toys they like the most without thinking many times if they are good or bad. Therefore, it is convenient that parents also show their children games that promote skills and abilities (creativity, reading comprehension, logical thinking, imagination ...) Surely, neuro-educational games will not just be stored in a trunk or a drawer.
Active listening: family communication
As I said before, at Christmas many parents take a few extra vacation days to spend more time with their family. Being all together is a perfect time to encourage active listening, communication and dialogue. Knowing how to listen and how to communicate with others (assertiveness) is fundamental in the education of children. In this way, the little ones will be more understanding, more sensitive and more committed to their environment.
Empathy: putting ourselves in the place of others
I am one of those who thinks that many children have an innate empathy towards others. I'm going to tell you about a situation that happened the other day to a friend of mine. He told me that walking down the street with his seven-year-old son, he confessed: «This year Pablo can only ask for a gift for the Three Wise Men and he is a bit sad. I can ask for three, so I ask one of them for him so that he has more«. It is these actions that make you realize that children have the biggest heart in the world. For me, empathy is one of the key values in the education of the little ones and it must be taken into account throughout the year, but at Christmas, it is a great time to teach children to put themselves in the place of others.
Solidarity: the importance of helping others
Unfortunately, more and more people in Spain are living in worse conditions. The lack of work and resources causes people to live on the streets. When many children see someone sleeping on the street, they ask their parents why. It is a good time to explain the importance of trying to change the world so that no person is left alone in the street with a freezing cold. It is essential that families and schools have gestures of help and collaboration with others so that the little ones learn by example. With small details you can have a better world.
Non-discrimination: teaching not to reject others
Some educational centers, when Christmas approaches, begin to prepare and carry out dynamics and activities to avoid discrimination and rejection among students. In this section, schools have a very important task: to teach children that everyone has equal opportunities and that no one deserves to be separated from a group. Through physical education and sport, these values can be greatly promoted. In this way, a better school climate would be achieved: more tolerant, more committed and empathetic. Obviously, not all the responsibility lies with the schools. Parents and teachers have to work together to eliminate prejudice, rejection, and discrimination.