The best non-material gift for a child is not the coolest toy or the most expensive gadget. The emotional and physical well-being of parents always comes first.
When a mum or dad has enough inner resources and harmony of their own, they naturally have more strength to give to their child, to understand them and to “contain” their emotions.
But today we are talking about…
THE PARENT CERTIFICATE!
These are special “coupons” that a child can “cash in” to receive something special from their parents.
Here are a few examples:
• Skip school (can be used ×2)
• Immediate reconciliation (regardless of the reason for the argument, we make peace quickly — can be used ×2 or ×3)
• A date with Mum / a date with Dad
• I choose what we have for dinner…
• No tidying my room
• A later bedtime
• Sleeping together (if appropriate)
• Breakfast in bed
• Choosing the evening movie
• An hour of board games (or playing a console game together)
• Interview with the parents (the child can ask any questions)
• Borrow something belonging to a parent (a scarf, accessory, etc.)
• Rearrange the room
• “I’m the artist — this is how I see it” (the child creates a look for themselves and a parent — clothes, hairstyle, accessories)
If you can think of any other interesting “coupon” ideas, please share them in the comments!
The certificate itself can be designed in the form of an announcement.
Rules for Using the “Parent Certificate”
To make sure the coupons don’t turn into chaos but genuinely bring joy and bring the family closer together, it is important to agree on some clear rules:
- Agreement with the parents
Before activating a coupon, the child lets the parents know in advance (for example, at least one day beforehand).
- Valid only by mutual agreement
If a coupon is presented at an inappropriate time (for example, “skip school” on the day of an important test), the parents have the right to suggest using it on another date.
- One coupon — one wish
Several “bonuses” cannot be combined within a single coupon. This preserves the clarity and uniqueness of each wish.
- Respect and a constructive approach
This is especially important with the “immediate reconciliation” coupon: after making peace, it is important to DISCUSS what happened.
So, what do you think of this gift idea?
More useful materials on the @anita_prof
Pediatric Perinatal Psychologist and Art Therapist