This year is soon coming to an end, and we all know that means there are plenty of holidays and celebrations coming up. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, Black Friday, and New Year’s, there is not a shortage of travel, food, family, and fun! But all that running around can take a toll on your children, and yourself!
Enjoying the Season
It can be great seeing family multiple times this year and playing catchup with some of the relatives you do not see very often. Whether you are the one hosting the get-togethers or you end up traveling, all the festivities take up a lot of time. Make sure to take time to cherish the time you have together and do not get too hung up in the finer details. You can enlist your children to help out, but make sure they have a chance to breathe or step away during the evening so they do not get too tired either.
Time to Recharge
We all know your children are going to be super excited about all the holidays as well, especially the days off from school! But more often than not, holiday breaks are filled with activities, visits, and traveling. For a lot of kids, this can be a big emotional and physical drain, even though it is a happy occasion. Everybody needs rest and sleep, and many times, us parents realize we are going to take a hit in that department, but our kids should not. It is even more important for children of any age to get a good night’s sleep, so be sure to try and not disrupt that by too much.
If you are visiting family that are a distance away, ask them in advance if it is alright to borrow a bedroom or two while you visit. Once it reaches bedtime for your kids, use that spare bedroom to give them a chance to lay down and nap while you continue to talk with family. Of course, most kids will fall asleep on the car ride home, but that usually is not the most comfy, and often gets interrupted multiple times. Remember to check in with your children often throughout the evening festivities, and check on whether they are getting too tired or overstimulated. This is especially true for younger kids, as they will most likely get worked up or too tired and will not even notice this themselves. Giving your kids a chance to recharge between all the holidays and get-togethers will make it more enjoyable for you and them! And remember to keep things loose in between all the festivities!
Katie Kyzivat