When I was a young mom, like you, I wanted to make the holidays special for my children. I put a lot of pressure on myself. I obsessed over every detail and drag them to every holiday light show, nativity scene, and Santa sighting, only to have several meltdowns because they were tired and over stimulated. In these early years I didn’t realize that I had many more years to create traditions and memories. I didn’t have to do it all at once. I have compiled a few tips on how to get through the holidays so that you and your toddler can enjoy them without the stress.
- Do not start preparing for the holidays too early. Even though the stores have started putting up decorations and Santa is already in the mall, we do not need to start until after Thanksgiving. Young children do not have the same sense of time as we do. The anticipation can cause overstimulation for your child. Little ones often express over stimulation, over tired and stress by crying, acting out, tantruming and/or crying.
- Do not expect your toddler to sit through the entire Thanksgiving or holiday dinner. This is a long time for little ones. Be prepared and bring food that he/she likes just in case there is not toddler friendly food. Also, give your toddler opportunities to get up and walk around. You and your partner can take turns eating and getting up walking around with your child.
- Pack toys/activities for your toddler or preschooler to do. It might be great for you to catch up with relatives that you haven’t seen all year but this isn’t much fun for toddlers and preschoolers.
- If traveling in a car or plane be prepared. Pack snacks, water and most importantly inexpensive dollar store toys/activities that you save just for that trip. If possible, try to book flights after your child’s morning nap or if you can, at bedtime.
- Keep your child on a schedule as much as possible. As many days as you can, stick to your child’s nap and bedtime schedule. An overtired child can kill the holiday cheer.
- Slow Down! Don’t put pressure on yourself to do everything and take your children to every holiday activity. They are young, and there will be plenty of time to take them to holiday activities. Remember to slow down. It is much better to only do a few activities at a slower pace with a happy toddler than to be stressed trying to get in 10 activities with a crying and over tired toddler.
- Let the children help out with the holiday preparations. Everything does not have to be Pinterest perfect! Let toddlers do simple things like handing you the decorations for the tree, putting sprinkles on the cookies. Preschoolers can put Christmas cards in the envelopes and help to bake cookies and treats.
Holiday traditions are very important for you and your growing family. However, they are not fun if your toddler is tired, crying or tantruming. I promise, you have plenty of time to build those traditions. You do not need to do them all at once while your children are very young. Take the stress off of yourself and your toddler this season.
Joanne Palermo, M. Ed is an early intervention developmental specialist with over 30 years experience working with children and their families. She is presently co-owner of It Takes a Village Baby Consultants™, an in-home baby-consulting firm located in Philadelphia, offering specialty services for new and expectant parents. Our website: www.villagebabyconsultants.com
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