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Everyone loves the holiday season. It is a time when friends and family can come together and celebrate. Although spending time with your favorite people and unwinding sounds like a dream, parents know that keeping an eye on the kids is equally important as holidays are also a time when children can go off track. Festivities, a house full of people, busy days and long nights can upset and undo all the good work you’ve done to keep your children on a healthy schedule. Not to mention all the temper tantrums coming your way. Your children may not be accustomed to having your attention diverted by so many different things, so they might act out in order to redirect your attention to themselves. To keep your holiday easy breezy, here are a few parenting hacks to help skip behavioral challenges during the holiday season.
1. Establish A Routine
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It’s crucial to remember that not all children are fond of surprises, particularly if they disrupt their usual routines. When it comes to the excitement of giving and receiving gifts and the busy holiday season ahead, it’s a good idea to involve the kids in your plans for the upcoming days. Take their preferences into account and give them some input where possible. If you’re anticipating guests, consider asking them if they’d be willing to share their room with a cousin instead of having to sleep in your room. Each morning, discuss a rough schedule for the day with them, outlining which activities are non-negotiable and where they might have some flexibility.
2. Bedtime Remains The Same
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Every parent knows that a sleep deprived child is a very cranky, uncooperative child. So it is in your best interest and your child’s to stick to their usual bedtime during the holidays. Besides, adequate sleep is integral for healthy child development. So the next time your child insists on staying up late with their older cousins, put your foot down. They might get upset and throw a fit during bedtime but it’s better than waking up to a nightmare the next day. Let one of the older cousins read them a story. Or the entire family could get in on the fun and prank your child into falling asleep by feigning tiredness.
3. Always Carry Snacks And Games When You Travel
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No matter if it’s a long distance road trip that keeps you in the car for days or just a bunch of little trips for sightseeing purposes, kids tend to get bored and restless on the drive. This will end up with them acting out, getting temperamental and starting a fight. Your best bet is to keep them distracted and carry a little piece of home with you. Let them bring their games, electronic gadgets, books and snacks to keep them busy on the road.
4. Give Them A 15-Minute Transition Heads-Up
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As adults, we are able to adapt to situations easily. Dropping by someone’s house for a short while and saying goodbye may not strike you as odd but it may be much harder for your kids to do. For example, if you are meeting up with some relatives and your kids interact with other kids their own age, it may take them a while to warm up and get comfortable enough to really talk to them and by the time they do, it might be time to leave. In order to prepare your children for a fly-by, tell them the duration of your visit and give them a 10 minute heads-up before it’s time to leave.
5. Let The Kids Have Their Way Sometimes
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It’s okay to give your child some leeway during the holiday season, after all it’s the season of joy. Besides, your child is more or less a little adult and giving them a chance to exercise their autonomy and decision making skills is good practice for them. Let them have their opinions on what they want to take part in and what activities they’d rather sit out on. It’s okay to give them a break and let them have a day off studies, an extra cookie before bedtime, 10 minutes of extra playtime or choosing what outfits they want to wear for the occasion. By letting your kids assert their will now and again, you show them that they matter and that you respect their wishes. This way, they are more inclined to comply when you do put your foot down about something more important down the line.
The holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful and overwhelming. With a few simple boundaries and limits, the entire family can have a fabulous time. Remember that the most important thing is to make good memories with your kids and enjoy each other’s company. Happy parenting!
