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What do children want most? The research results may surprise you
Every year around June, parents fall into the same trap. We browse through toy catalogs, check rankings of the latest gadgets and analyze which board game or set of blocks will be the most fun for our children. We often do it out of guilt, wanting to compensate our children for the hours we spent at work or in front of the computer screen. We think that another material thing will fill the gap and become proof of our love.
However, the reality is completely different. The results of the “Adults through the eyes of children” survey conducted by Nowa Era clearly show that expensive items are not at the top of the list of children’s dreams. When asked what they need most from adults, the youngest ones point to time together, presence and simple fun. It is the need to be noticed and accepted that reigns in children’s hearts, leaving even the most sophisticated toys far behind. Children want us to just be with them, talk and share everyday joys.
Many adults justify choosing an expensive gift because they lack free time. We believe that a large gift will compensate for our absence. This is a myth that is worth debunking now, preparing for Children’s Day 2026. For a child, the joy of a new toy is momentary and quickly fades away, while the memory of a shared afternoon, during which the parent was completely focused on the child, builds the foundation of self-esteem for life.
Quality, not quantity. The 15-minute rule that changes everything
Sociological research conducted, among others, by Melissa Milkie from the University of Toronto bring comfort to busy parents. It turns out that what is crucial for a child’s proper development and well-being is not the number of hours spent in the same room, but the quality of this time and emotional involvement. This discovery allows you to take the burden of guilt off your shoulders. You don’t have to quit your job to be a good parent. You just need to learn to be fully present in the key moments of the day.
Child psychologists increasingly talk about the difference between “ordinary time” and “special time.” Ordinary time is sitting together on the couch while everyone looks at their screen, or shopping together while thinking about the to-do list. The special time is just 15 minutes of full involvement. During this time, we put down the smartphone, forget about notifications and enter the child’s world. We listen to what he has to say, build a base with pillows or kick a ball together in the garden.
The concept of the “attachment tank” assumes that giving a child such exclusive attention on a regular basis allows him to “recharge his emotional batteries.” Just fifteen minutes a day when a child feels like the most important person in their parent’s life can work wonders. This approach reduces difficult behavior because the child no longer has to scream or rebel for our attention. This is a simple tip that changes the everyday dynamics of the family and is the best recipe for a valuable celebration on June 1.
The best gift for Children’s Day 2026 is… memories
When planning this year’s holiday, it is worth considering non-material alternatives. Experts from the National Education Operator Foundation emphasize that an excess of objects can actually overwhelm a child and block his or her natural creativity. When the room is bursting with toys, it is harder for your toddler to concentrate. Instead of another box, let’s give him experience. It could be cooking pizza as a family, creating a home theater together, or an evening with board games during which no one looks at their phone.
Another valuable idea is a “trip into the unknown” – exploring together a nearby forest or park that you have never been to. Such moments build a bond that children will remember years after they forget about plastic gadgets. The promise of “exclusive time” is an investment that pays off with interest. Children need us as guides and adventure companions, not just as providers of new items.
Children’s Day is an ideal opportunity to implement new rules for building relationships. Let’s try on this day not only to give something to the child, but above all to be with him. Turning off your phones and focusing on shared joy is a gesture that means more to a young person than the most expensive technology. Let us remember that we are the most interesting “toy” and the safest haven for our children, and our mindfulness is the most valuable currency we can give them.
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