Keep things in control this holiday season
Holidays are usually filled with lots of family and friends, tons of decadent food, too many gifts and irregular schedules. Though these are the things that make the holidays wonderful – they can also have a negative affect on your children. Since routine is so important to kids, two weeks of surprises and indulgence can throw them for a loop. Not to worry, Together Family is here to help!
Follow this advice from Early Childhood Education expert, Isabel Killoran. Her ideas will help ensure that you and your kids enjoy the holidays, learn valuable lessons and that you’ll get back to your regular routine in no time.
Spoiled Solutions
Balancing the fine line between making our kids feel special and overindulging them is a challenge many parents face over the holidays. If your holiday traditions involve gift giving, there are a few simple tricks you can use to avoid going overboard. First, Killoran suggests that “gifts should be age and developmentally appropriate,” and not to give your children everything they ask for – set limits but do make the gift(s) special. Emphasize that resources are not endless and that children should choose one gift they really want rather than writing up an extensive list.
Killoran also explains that spoiling “doesn’t have much to do with the number or types of presents that a child receives;” it has more to do with children feeling “entitled and/or being unappreciative.” To avoid ‘spoiling’ your child professor Killoran suggests “spreading out the opening of gifts so children can appreciate each one they receive and thank the person giving it.”
Get a Little Give a Lot
The holidays are a good time to teach your children about giving and generosity. Encourage your kids to make something to give to their friends or siblings. “Teach them that there are many ways to show that they care for someone. Have them try to think of what other people really like and help them come up with something related to that,” says Killoran. Involving your children in the process of gift buying and giving (rather than just receiving) can go a long way to teaching them about generosity, thoughtfulness and caring for others.
Routine Reminders
Routine is extremely important to young children. While some kids are more easy going than others, the holidays can be quite hectic and “it is important to keep some semblance of the usual routine for a child,” according to Killoran. It’s nearly impossible to keep everything the same but Killoran believes that “bedtime is probably the most important routine to consider keeping for children.” If all else gets thrown off, try your best to keep nap times and bedtimes as regular (or as close to regular) as possible.
Be What You Want Them to Be
Professor Killoran points out that “children learn from what they see others do in their lives.” Children are extremely observant and they will model their parents’ behaviour. Try to be as relaxed and organized over the holidays as possible, this will help keep you and your young children calm and your kids will notice the change in their routine much less if the mood around the house is relaxed and comfortable.
If you want your children to be appreciative and generous over the holidays – model this behaviour yourself. Killoran suggests volunteering as a family to set a positive example for your children. She also recommends subtle cues to avoid rearing entitled children – parents should show appreciation for gifts and emphasize the importance of giving thoughtful gifts to the people they love.
