It’s the holiday season. Along with the general excitement you and your family may feel can come a whole lotta stress. How do you deal with small children during the holidays? How do you deal with relatives, cooking, presents, parties? (Not to mention your own exhaustion?)
At Mary Margaret, we know that a relaxed parent is a happy parent. And when the kids are out of school and the holiday season draws near – that sense of relaxation is hard to find. Let us help with some holiday advice for a stress-free season with the kids.
Put Your Own Mental Health First So You Can Be Present For Others
Remember what they tell you in an airplane: In case of an emergency, put your oxygen mask on before assisting others. This is great advice, and not just on the plane! You’ve really got to keep your own stress levels down so you can be present for your children.
Tip #1 – Relax
Whatever you’re doing or not doing for the holidays … it’s good enough. You are good enough. You don’t have to decorate sugar cookies with your kids if you don’t want to. Can’t find that last minute gift? Don’t panic! Your kids will appreciate the spirit of the season more with a parent who is relaxed, happy, and present.
Tip #2 – Stick to Your Budget
Short on cash? Don’t go into debt buying presents because you think you have to! Simply spending quality time with your children is a way to make memories without the hefty price tag.
Tip #3 – Don’t Eat or Drink Too Much
It’s tempting to eat and drink all the goodies in sight, but that might not make you feel as festive as you’d like. Drink some water and just say no to that extra helping of sugary dessert.
Overall, remember to have fun! Take a break when you need to. Not enjoying a particular event? Make a note to skip it next year. Don’t hesitate to ask someone for help if you begin to feel overwhelmed. It’s the giving season! Your friends and family will be glad to pitch in.
Kids Need Structure Along With Holiday Fun
If you’re like us, you love to see your child’s eyes light up as they gaze at a decorated Christmas tree or sit on Santa’s lap. But kids can also make the season trying. We’ve seen kids go from out-of-control hyper to gimme-gimme whiny in a matter of seconds. Here’s what we recommend to manage the meltdowns.
Tip #1 – Stick to Your Routine
Don’t let your kid skip that nap! As you well know, a tired kid is a fussy kid. The most important thing you can do to avoid holiday meltdowns is to stick to a steady routine. That means regular mealtimes and a not-too-late bedtime.
Tip #2 – Watch the Sugar
During the holidays, kids get way more sugar than they need! A little extra is okay, sure, but try to monitor how many treats your child is having. Avoid sugar highs and hyper behavior by mixing healthier snacks in with the candy canes and cookies.
Tip #3 – Be Prepared!
Spending a lot of time at a relative’s house? Pack a bag. Take along an extra set of pajamas, extra diapers and baby wipes, and a favorite blanket or toy. If it’s a late night, get your child ready for bed at a reasonable hour. That’ll make it easier to transfer a sleepy kiddo to bed when you do make it home.
Why Not Start Your Own Stress-Free Holiday Traditions?
Do you have to answer every invitation, visit every relative, and squeeze in every single holiday highlight? Absolutely not! In fact, we recommend saying “no” every once in awhile. That particularly petty cousin will get over it. It’s far better, in our opinion, to create manageable holiday traditions in your own home than to please everyone else but yourself. So try reading a Christmas story before bedtime, or watching a movie your whole family will love in snuggly pajamas. Above all, enjoy yourself! ‘Tis the season to be merry – not miserable.
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