Helpful Holiday Hints

Now that Thanksgiving is over, most are focusing on the holidays that are fast approaching. No matter what holiday you celebrate, or if you don't celebrate any, it's near to impossible to not get caught up in the festivities. From stores decorated for the season way before Thanksgiving, to all the hype on TV trying to convince your kids they need the latest toy, this can be a stressful time of year.

The more stressed out we become, the more that will impact our children's lives, and usually not in a positive way. Here are some of the things that I have found to be most helpful, and to have the most positive result with kids. Try to be as organized as possible. Set aside a time to discuss with your family what you will be doing for the holidays; include shoppping, entertaining, and any other activities your family likes. Include the kids in this discussion and ask them what parts of the preparation they want to help and participate in.

If you go out as a family and cut down a live tree, make it a fun excursion and a family tradition. If you want to bake, put that into your schedule. A child who has an investment in making something turn out great, not only has fun preparing for it, but is proud of his accomplishment and his contribution to the family. We all love to hear a child exclaim with excitement, "Grandma, I made these cookies for you!"

Stressful times require us to be more patient and willing to let things go. Kids are excited, so they will more than likely be testy as well. Making sure everyone gets enough rest is a great cure for this seasonal malady.

As the holidays approach remind your kids of activities they will be participating in with family and friends. Show them pictures of family members they haven't seen in a while to help them become familiar with those they will be seeing. For older kids, encourage them to attend the family functions, but if they balk, maybe it's ok to allow them to choose what they want to attend. It is often better to let them off the hook, and be surprised when you are all going out the door, when they want to go with you.

This is a good time to remind your children of the social skills
you have been so diligently teaching for so long. Now is the time to see them in action.

Finally, as your kids are seeing all the toys and games that are available, this is a great time to set aside some money, gifts, etc. for kids who are less fortunate.
The US Postal Service has their non-perishable food drive this next week-end. Let the kids pick out some food to give to your mailman. Kids who think of others, are the kind, caring kids most people want to be around.