We want the holidays to be joyful. However, the expectations that many of us feel obligated to uphold can lead to exhausted and stressed-out parents and children. From navigating parties and gatherings to building a sense of gratitude early, here are some tips for surviving and thriving with your toddler during the holiday season.
How Can I Prevent Meltdowns and Tantrums This Holiday Season?
Your pediatrician can confirm that consistency is key. Recognize your child’s limits–and your own–when planning celebrations and family events this season. You may miss out on a few things in the interest of preserving routines, but everyone will be better off.
- Stick with your child’s regular sleep and mealtime schedules as much as possible. This could mean saying no to a few social obligations at the wrong time of day. It could also mean getting a sitter for events past your child’s bedtime, giving parents a break and allowing kids to stay in their comfortable routine.
- Don’t overschedule. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of busyness during the most wonderful time of the year. From pictures with Santa to shopping and decorating, we often feel obligated to say yes to everything. Sometimes, saying no is the answer: remove obligations and traditions that no longer serve you, and focus on the things that are truly important.
- Seek out (and host) child-friendly gatherings. As your lives as parents change, so does holiday entertaining. Keep things simple and relaxed. Party clothes and fancy cocktails may become a thing of the past, while a low-key afternoon open house might be just the thing. If you’re invited to a gathering, don’t hesitate to bring your own food if your child is a picky eater.
- Limit sugar. Holiday treats are a festive part of the season, but use moderation. Keep your child on schedule with healthy meals and snacks, with the occasional holiday treat.
- Get outside. Exercise and sunlight can be game-changers for children and adults alike. Find time for family walks even on the busiest days. Take a break from socializing at a neighborhood gathering to spend a few minutes allowing your toddler to blow off steam.
- Find low-stress (and low-cost) ways to spend time together as a family. Creating a self-guided holiday lights tour in your neighborhood or cutting your own tree are terrific options.
- Take care of yourself. Rested, self-regulated parents go a long way to ensuring your child’s emotional regulation. Make time for downtime and physical exercise, even during the busiest holiday schedules.
- Keep in mind sensory processing issues – the adorable party outfit you envisioned for your kiddo, or the bright lights and noise of a gathering, may no longer work for your family.
How Can I Encourage Gratitude and Resist Entitlement With My Young Child?
We all want to raise kind and generous kids, but sometimes the practices we model don’t reflect that goal. We might feel the need to keep up with the Joneses when it comes to gifting, even for young children. Freeing yourself from your own ideas and expectations can benefit your children.
- Rethink gifting. Don’t overspend on gifts. It can create financial stress that trickles down while setting unachievable expectations for the future. Consider secondhand gifts while your child is too young to care—or gift experiences instead of adding more stuff to crammed playrooms.
- Avoid digital gifts for young children. Celebrate the age of innocence with less expensive hands-on gifts.
- Encourage your child to make gifts for special family members and friends, putting love and care into each one.
- Encourage gratitude and giving. Participate in volunteer opportunities, such as donating to a food bank or contributing to a toy donation campaign.
- Model low-key generosity by incorporating giving into your day-to-day life, rather than waiting for the holidays.
Create Holiday Joy By Changing Expectations
One of the biggest causes of holiday stress is when our expectations don’t mesh with reality. Changing parental expectations can make a world of difference. The things kids cherish are often the simplest and easiest things—a low-key family breakfast or a walk to the park. Of course, sometimes there’s more involved than too much sugar. If your child struggles with sleep, nutrition, meltdowns or tantrums, your pediatrician can help. Loudoun Pediatric Associates is here to support children and their families in having healthy, meaningful interactions during the holidays and throughout the year.
