The most valuable gifts

With all the time spent looking for just the right Christmas presents for your children, it might be good to remember that the most valuable gifts you can give your children aren't things at all. 

The gift of a calm and peaceful mother.  This one is one of the hardest and yet one of the most appreciated.  Your children will behave better and your home will be a place of joy and happiness.

The gift of listening.  When your kids are talking to you, do you really listen to them or are you distracted with something else?  It's so easy to let your mind wander but what they have to say is important to them and therefore, should be important to you.

The gift of security.  A tough one.  While there is little security in the world today, your children need to feel secure in their home with their parents. 

The gift of time.  The argument says that quality is as good as quantity when it comes to time.  Not so.  Your children need you for the routine, mundane things in their life as well as the scheduled, special times.

The gift of patience.  Your children aren't little adults.  They will make mistakes.  They will annoy you.  They will have accidents.  This is all part of growing up.  Be patient with them.

The gift of unconditional love.  No matter what they do or say, your children need to know that they are loved and that you will always be there for them.  Always.