Holiday Survival Guide
Navigating the Holiday Hustle:
A Parent’s Guide to Thriving Amidst Seasonal Chaos
Juggling the holiday frenzy with young ones in tow often feels like steering a ship through a storm. Disrupted routines, long trips, and the high-octane excitement of festivities can easily spiral into tears and tantrums. Fear not, here comes some help — a list of thirteen strategies to master the holiday season. These tips are your compass to navigate through the holidays, side-stepping potential meltdowns and get the most enjoyment and connection out of this season.
12 Tips for Parenting during the Holiday
1. Prepare Kids for What’s Coming Kick off your holiday season by preparing kids for upcoming events. Use a calendar or create a fun storybook about holiday plans. This helps them understand and look forward to what’s ahead.
2. Stick to Some Routine Even during holidays, try to maintain some regular routines. It gives children a sense of normalcy and reduces stress for everyone.
3. Stay Calm for Your Kids Your emotional state influences your children. Make time daily to unwind and stay calm. A relaxed parent usually means relaxed children.
4. Understand Kids Get Stressed Too Recognize that holidays can be overwhelming for children. They need your guidance and reassurance when they feel anxious or upset.
5. Keep Up Emotional Care Don’t forget to maintain emotional connections. Daily talks, playtime, and physical affection are vital to keep your kids feeling secure.
6. Teach Them How to Behave Before attending gatherings, engage kids in playful practice of good manners and appropriate responses to various social situations.
7. One Big Thing a Day Limit activities to one major event per day. Over-scheduling can lead to overstimulation and exhaustion for both you and your children.
8. Keep Activities Age-Appropriate Ensure your kids have engaging activities during adult-focused visits. Tailor these to their age and interests for a harmonious experience.
9. Watch the Treats and Meals Monitor your kids’ eating habits during the holidays. Regular meals and controlled treats can prevent mood swings caused by hunger or sugar highs.
10. Choose Relaxing Family Vacations If traveling, opt for a relaxing vacation that allows quality family time. Avoid over-scheduling and focus on activities that everyone enjoys.
11. Travel Tips for Flying When flying, plan for kids’ needs. Allow them to move before boarding and bring distractions for the flight. Small surprises can make air travel more enjoyable.
12. Less is More If the holiday rush becomes overwhelming, simplify your schedule. Focus on spending quality, stress-free time with your family.
BONUS!
13. Self-Care: Your Emotional Well-Being is Key Set regular check-ins with yourself throughout the day. Attend to your needs – whether it’s a relaxing bath or a quiet moment – to preserve your well-being and, by extension, that of your family.
Don't forget YOU
As the year concludes, take a moment to acknowledge your relentless efforts. Celebrate your everyday heroism in the relentless pursuit of parenting respectfully and the work you’ve put in for your connection with your child and setting your child up to succeed. In the end, it’s not the flawless execution of holiday plans that matters, but the love and joy you bring to your family’s life.
What's next?
Our private Facebook group is a great resource for parents so you can find ease and joy in parenting while raising your toddler more intentionally and effectively. It’s a safe space to ask your questions about toddlerhood and to get answers to the millions of questions that come with the role of a parent. Join us and start enjoying parenthood more!
About Us
We are driven to help raise authentic humans. Come find out why.