Destination Sitters,LLCBreathe
-Babies and toddlers can only take so much in at one time without creating stress for themselves (and then you!), so try to not overwhelm your children with too much activity. Having your baby being passed to all the admiring relatives and sitting on Santa’s lap for the adorable picture you desire will most likely cause stress in your baby, so let their attitudes guide you. Know when too much activity is enough.
-Young children don’t expect as much as your older children, so don’t empty your bank account trying to fulfill their needs. A book that you can both read together and a fuzzy, stuffed animal are sometimes enough.
- The holiday season is filled with parties, plays, Santa meet and greets, and new movies, especially with grade school children. Try to just pick the activities they wish to do the most. Of course, children will want to go to everything they are invited to, but think about accepting only a few invitations so each is more special and so that you and your family can enjoy them all, and still get family time in.
- The holidays are filled with junk food. Try to make your holiday season healthier this year with better options. Create samplers for your children filled with banana bread, cheese and nuts, oatmeal-raisin cookies, and sliced fruit. For desert, try delicious jello topped with fat-free cool whip.
- For your older children, try to purchase gifts that will enhance their personal abilities. If you have a son who wants to become a baseball player, get him baseball equipment so he can practice, or if you have a daughter, who wishes to become an artist, get her an easel with paint and paintbrushes. Having your children express their interests to you will help with your holiday shopping.
- Buying gifts for teenagers is often more difficult than buying for smaller children. To avoid the dreaded returns, go out shopping with your teen. Have them try on and show you the kind of clothes they like, or what kind of new iPod they want. By having them show you directly what they want, you will make everyone happy.
- Make sure you make time for relaxation and family time. Holidays can get crazy and busy, so set aside an afternoon to play family games, bake cookies, or watch a movie.
