Families across Fife are being encouraged to take time with their children this festive season.
The message comes a year into a campaign by Fife Council, NHS Fife and Fife Voluntary Action aimed at encouraging activities that will help to give every child in Fife the best start in life.
The Take Time campaign aims to inspire parents and carers to interact with their children through activities like playing, storytelling, exploring and cuddling, all of which can play a big part in child development.
It promotes attachment, physical wellbeing, literacy and healthy eating and is part of the investment in a family nurture approach being taken in Fife.
Willie Campbell, early years ambassador, said: “Christmas can be a hectic and pressured time and, often, it becomes stressful for families.
“We are asking that parents ensure that, amid all that stress, they take time to join in the excitement with their child, to play, tell stories, explore and cuddle an activity sometimes forgotten about when there is so much going on but one that can have a positive impact on you and your child.
“Fife families who find themselves in a vulnerable place at Christmas can find information and support on the Fife Families website.”
Professor Scott McLean, NHS Fife’s lead for children’s services, added: “While your child may love watching all the Christmas shows on TV or playing with their new toy, they’ll love it even more if you join them in their activities.
“Keeping up routine during the festive season can be difficult for families but simple activities like reading a bedtime story together can have a huge, relaxing and calming effect on your child.
“Christmas and New Year can be difficult for many and taking this time can help you share the magic of this time of year and give huge comfort to you and your child.”
For more information, support and ideas for festive activities see www.fifedirect.org.uk/families.