Holiday shopping tips

Quick: How many holiday shopping days are left? 
 
If you don't know, your child would be happy to help you figure it out!
 
Here are some tips to help you shop for your child this year:

• Select age-appropriate gifts.        
• Toddlers are natural explorers. Look for gifts that feed their "I can do it!" drive.
• Games with rules and structure appeal to the sense of order in most children between the ages 5 and 7. At this age, many kids find pleasure in building collections. Try rocks, trading cards, figurines or books. There's no such thing as too many books.
• For ages 8 to 12, appeal to their unique talents. Look for gifts such as a complex model, a soccer ball or a jewelry-making kit. Or, try a gift that pleases their sense of privacy. A journal and a special pen are ultra-cool!
• Choose gifts that offer open-ended play. Avoid items that limit what a child can do. Pick toys that promote extended play and imagination. Remember the fun you had building a fort?
• Make a list and stick to it. Resist the urge to buy your child everything he or she wants.

Remember, presence trumps presents. A child's most important and treasured plaything is you.
 
Three places to hide presents:

   1. In a box marked "Halloween decorations" or "cleaning supplies."
   2. Inside the family luggage (unless you're traveling soon)!
   3. Under your kid's bed. Honestly, when's the last time he or she looked there?

Enjoy the magic of the season through the eyes of your child!

Happy holidays from Westbrook Pediatrics!