Triple P encourages ‘presence over presents’ for stronger family bonds this Christmas 

Experts from the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program are encouraging parents and carers across Australia to shift their focus from the pressure of buying presents to the invaluable gift of quality time with their children and being grateful for each other as the festive season approaches. 

Creating a strong, joyful bond with children doesn’t require a big budget, the experts argue, just a little presence.

Triple P’s 2024 National Parenting Survey found families are likely to be going into the end of the year feeling stressed about how they’ll afford to buy children gifts, with almost nine in every ten families having had to cut back on their spending because of the rising cost-of-living.

While many families feel pressured to buy things or deliver expensive experiences, the real impact on a child’s wellbeing comes from spending quality time together and expressing gratitude, Triple P founder Professor Matt Sanders said. 

“That’s not to say that you shouldn’t buy your kids presents, it’s normal for loved ones to want to give their kids gifts,” he explained. 

“Spending even the smallest moments of time together along with encouraging gratitude in our children can have a positive impact on their overall wellbeing and strengthen relationships.”

The memories of festive times often play an important role in shaping children’s values, he continued, and it’s often these traditions and experiences which children cherish, not the gifts they received. 

Tips and ideas

Triple P has the following ideas to strengthen family bonds and promote gratitude this holiday period:

• Take time to enjoy the season together. This could include decorating your house, listening to music, sharing jokes, or going for a walk. 

• Inspire kids to be grateful. Model being gracious by saying thank you when receiving presents and showing children how to be appreciative in those everyday moments.

• Start a family tradition. These could be free or low-cost, such as checking out the local holiday lights, or having a festive baking session. Spread the joy by sharing the results with friends and family, being grateful for the opportunity to enjoy the moment together.

• Encourage kindness and goodwill. If your children buy or make gifts, or do something nice for someone, praise them for thinking of others and showing festive spirit.

“After what has been a stressful year for many families in our community, parents, carers, and children will benefit from giving the gift that truly lasts a lifetime — the security, joy, and confidence that comes from knowing you are truly loved and valued,” Professor Sanders said.

Delivery of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program to parents and carers of children in Australia is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the Parenting Education and Support Program. Parents and carers can access free, online parenting support 24/7 at triplep-parenting.net.au