christmas, as we know, is a children’s holiday. But what to put under the tree to make them really happy? If the letter to Santa Claus can already help you orient yourself, the most notable thing to remember is that “the gift is for the child and not for the parent”. In other words, “he must like it and not necessarily us”. This is the golden rule according to the pediatrician Italo Farnetani, full professor at the Ludes-United Campus of Malta University, who draws up a purchasing guide for Adnkronos salute: 5 yeses and 5 nos to understand what to choose and what to choose rather discard a priori.
The 5 yes
1) Yes to the tailor-made gift. “The gift must be chosen based on the child’s inclinations and desires - explains the expert – Children are not all the same, but they already have certain strong aptitudes and abilities. For example, there are more ‘sedentary’ children, others more curious , who want to explore the surroundings. For this reason the gift must be personalized. Rather than following the taste of the adult, following fashion or advertising, it is indeed good to observe the child, understand his nature and satisfy it”.
2) Yes to the seasonal gift. “The perfect gift – underlines Farnetani – must be able to be used immediately, it must not be an ‘investment’. it is indeed wrong, such as, to opt for a game that can only be used when summer arrives. The game must be immediate use and thus the gift will have to be ‘winter’. Balloons,objects for the sea,would be put aside and the magic of Christmas would end.”
3) Yes to the ‘wow’ gift. “The gift must also surprise – suggests the doctor - it must be in line with the child’s wishes, but better if unexpected. The more the gift surprises, the more the magic of Christmas will grow”.
4) Yes to multiple gifts. “It’s better to have many cheap gifts than a few expensive ones – specifies Farnetani – because children generally get bored of the same game, they prefer to have many opportunities and therefore greater choice”.
5) Yes to the gift to share. “The problem for children today is the risk of isolation – observes the pediatrician – thus it is indeed better if the games chosen also include group use, and also being able to be used by the individual child”.
I 5 n
1) No to aggressive gifts. “Absolutely to avoid – recommends Farnetani – games that presuppose attitudes of violence, which recall it or which inspire it”.
No to the war gift. “Games or accessories related to war or other military activities have been rejected. Children see too many wars”, reflects the expert.
3)Noor a gift to wear. “Clothes and accessories – points out the pediatrician - represent a gift for parents, not for children. the exception is of course teenagers”.
4) No to school gifts. “Books and school objects should not be given as gifts at Christmas. Not only would this also be a gift to parents, but above all there are holidays, we are on holiday and thus it is indeed good that the spirit of joy and freedom prevails”, the doctor remarks.
5) No to electronic gifts. “Electronic material is too tied to everyday life. The gift must surprise – repeats Farnetani – it must communicate the spirit of party, the remarkable nature of the moment, whereas electronic material can be purchased all year round”.
Another thing that shouldn’t happen is the ‘I’m not old enough’ effect.”Gifts must be chosen based on the stage of development the child is in”, specifies Farnetani, otherwise the risk is that they will be discarded and set aside. Which disappoint and sadden.
What to buy by age group
Under 2 years. “the child under 2 is in the period in which the motor sense is defined.He lives the experience in the moment, therefore games are needed in which sounds, lights, colors prevail and can be activated by touching some buttons”, describes the pediatrician.
From 2 to 5 years. “The 2-5 year period is the so-called pre-operative period. The child is not capable of autonomous reasoning, but recalls to memory what he has previously stored. His mind works a bit like a computer – the doctor exemplifies – thus it is indeed It’s good to choose gifts, even quite complex objects, that can be repetitive.For example, games that can work if you follow certain sequences, certain paths that the child will learn quickly.”
From 6 to 10 years. “The 6-10 year period is that of concrete operations, so at this stage board games that children are already able to use are advisable”, explains the expert.
Over 10 years. “After the age of 10 the child begins to be an adolescent and in this case the most appreciated gift progressively becomes clothes and accessories. However, they must be fashionable - warns Farnetani - in vogue among the majority of peers and schoolmates Adolescents tend to dress all the same to identify with their peer group, and this is an attitude that should be supported because it helps them grow.” then go ahead for the sweatshirt or sneakers of your dreams.Does everyone have it? “Better yet.”
What are some tips for choosing the right gifts for children during the holiday season?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Italo Farnetani, Pediatrician
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Farnetani! With Christmas fast approaching, parents are busy thinking about the best gifts for their children. you’ve put together a guide to aid their decision-making. Can you summarize the core philosophy behind your recommendations?
Dr. Farnetani: Thank you for having me! The essence of my guide is simple: remember that the gift is for the child, not for the parent. It should reflect the child’s interests and personality rather than adult preferences. The joy of Christmas lies in making the child genuinely happy.
Editor: That’s a great point. Let’s dive into your ‘5 Yes’ recommendations. The first one is about tailor-made gifts. Can you explain what parents should look for in this regard?
Dr. Farnetani: Absolutely! Children have unique inclinations and abilities. As an example, some children are more curious and adventurous, while others might prefer quieter, imaginative play. Observing and understanding your child’s nature will guide you in selecting a gift that resonates with who thay are rather than just picking something trendy or what you think they should like.
Editor: That’s insightful! Moving on to your second recommendation—seasonal gifts. Why is it importent for the gifts to be seasonal?
Dr. Farnetani: Seasonal gifts are meant to be enjoyed right away. A child is unlikely to feel excited about a beach toy in the middle of winter! Immediate use adds to the magic of the moment. It’s best to choose gifts suited to the season to foster an atmosphere of joy and engagement.
Editor: I can see how that makes sense! You also mention the importance of a ‘wow’ factor. How can parents ensure their gift surprises the child?
Dr. Farnetani: Gifts that surprise can amplify the magic of Christmas considerably. Parents should listen to their children’s wishes and hobbies, but go for something unexpected—perhaps a toy or an experience that is a bit off the typical radar. The element of surprise makes the moment memorable and adds excitement.
Editor: That sounds delightful! Now, what’s your take on giving multiple gifts versus a single, expensive one?
Dr.Farnetani: I definitely advocate for multiple gifts,preferably less expensive ones. Children tend to enjoy having a variety of options to choose from. The excitement of unwrapping several gifts can keep the thrill alive longer than the novelty of just one high-cost item would. Variety can sustain their interest and promote more engagement.
Editor: That’s a fun approach! Lastly, you suggest gifting items that encourage sharing.Why is that critically important in today’s world?
Dr. Farnetani: In our increasingly digital age, children may face risks of isolation. Gifts that promote sharing—like board games or collaborative toys—can help foster social connections.These gifts encourage children to interact, create bonds, and learn valuable social skills, which is crucial for their overall development.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Farnetani,for sharing these insights! Your recommendations certainly provide a thoughtful framework for parents looking to make this Christmas a truly special occasion for their children.
Dr. Farnetani: Thank you! I hope everyone finds joy in selecting gifts that truly resonate with their children!
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This concludes the interview, offering valuable insights from Dr. Farnetani on thoughtful gift-giving this Christmas season.
