We are (eek!) hosting Thanksgiving at our place this year. I’m feeling a bit of pressure to pull it all off…
Holidays can be a special time to spend with family and build traditions. But, they can also be stressful, especially for young children who are out of their normal routine. Scrambled schedules, rotating relatives, and tons of sugary treats can all contribute to emotional overwhelm and meltdowns!
So, whether you’re traveling across the country, or hosting at home, here are 6 quick tips to help your kids shine this season.
Fill Them In
Somehow my four-year-old got the idea that every holiday involves cupcakes and gifts. He was quite disappointed when Labor Day came and went without so much as a sprinkle. That’s when I realized that my son needs a clear description of each approaching holiday. Now, we talk about what will happen, who we will see, and what we will (and won’t) be eating.
Talk About Manners
A vocabulary reminder can help kids successfully navigate social interactions. Our boys are young so, please, thank you, and excuse me, are our basic rules.
But, sometimes greeting family members during the holidays can be tough for kids too…
We love this magic solution to help kids greet family members! It’s such a great tool from our friend Kelly over at The Reformed Idealist Mom.
Set Them Up for Success
I know that my boys can sit at the table for around eight minutes. Ten, if meatballs are involved. After that their “polite manners” disappear, along with utensils, sippy cups, and anything not nailed down to the table. Our Thanksgiving will not involve multiple courses.
Create a Hideaway
Sharing your home, your parents, and your toy box takes a lot of work. Kids may need a reprieve from all the action. That’s why we built a holiday hideaway. Ours is simple: a blanket thrown over a desk, some soft pillows and books. Our son knows that if he starts feeling frustrated or too crowded, he can retreat to this safe, calming space. If it gets to busy in the kitchen, I might just join him.
Tip: Remember each child might need a different type of hideaway. Create separate spaces to meet the needs of each child in your family. Let older children create their own spaces ~ you might be surprised with what they come up with!
Snack!
Is there anything a good snack can’t fix? If you’re traveling for dinner, offer to bring a fruit platter and another dish your child likes. Also, some may disagree with me here, but I am not above smuggling cheese sticks and crackers in my bag (and my husband is not above eating them).
Take a Walk
When kept indoors too long, my boys start bouncing off the walls, and each other. Fresh air, the freedom to move their little legs, and a change of scenery always boosts their mood. About a half hour before dinner is the perfect time for us to get those wiggles out.
De-stress <— Bonus Tip: Don’t forget about YOU!
At our house, nothing seems to bring out childhood misbehavior like parental stress. I know that when I make time to get the exercise and rest that I need, our whole family is happier. So, if the stuffings not perfect, or the turkeys a little dry, I’m not going to sweat it. Instead I’m going to focus on what really matters, connecting with the people I love and feeling thankful for our time together.
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