EARLIER this week, a kind and generous lady came to the Preda home for abused children who have few loving parents. She brought three big plastic bags of stuffed toys and gifts for the children. The stuffed toys were for them to hug. Her children have matured and grown; the stuffed toys were better shared.
Christmas is a special time when parents shop to find a toy, a physical symbol, to express their love. It's a beautiful gesture. While that gesture is important for a child, a material toy is no substitute for a loving hug, and a truly caring mother and father. Every child needs that love from and friendship with their parents, especially when they are teenagers. Can parents be friends to them? That is the challenge parents must meet. They need this, and the teenage child needs it. It is the protective wall to counter the negative effect of social media and peer group pressure that will lead them into negative lifestyles, bad vices and habits. This is the age children need the most love and care, not less. Christmas should be a special bonding time for children and their parents. The greatest gift that a child needs and wants above all is a strong, secure, loving family that truly cares. The stuffed toy is no substitute.
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