Prepare your young child for making visits (or hosting company) by "role playing" through social events. Practice saying “hello!”, answering questions like “What’s new?” and responding to uncomfortable situations like having to sit through Uncle Joe’s never ending and sometimes embarrassing stories, or breaking the ice when those awkward moments of silence occur. (Remember — sharing social times should be fun! Help your child locate their inner Hollywood Star and run with it!)
Holiday Survival Tip #7: Slip some books into those stockings!
All right, so you caved in and bought your child that expensive, mind-numbing video game system. (At least you set some limit about how many hours they can sit in front of the screen, thumbs-a-wiggling, wiping out aliens or fighting off warriors, right?) Don’t forget to add some fun reading material that you can read together into their stockings! Books are great, and comic books and magazines are fine too! Some great ideas can be found at Reading Rockets and Colorín Colorado.
Holiday Survival Tip #8: Bring along an activity bag
Have you ever pulled away from a crowd to send a text message in a social situation where you felt uncomfortable? Picked up a book or magazine and started flipping through pages to avoid feeling awkward? Quiet, private activities can help your child feel at ease during social gatherings that might be intimidating or overstimulating. Put together an activity bag with quiet activities that your child enjoys, like coloring books and crayons, puzzles, books, non-messy crafts (leave the finger-paints at home!), and electronic games. And if you can include some items that might encourage cooperative play with others (like "tic-tac-toe" and "pick-up sticks"), so much the better.
Holiday Survival Tip #9: Keep your kids fueled
If you're hitting the malls, bring along snack packs. Having snacks on hand saves money and makes it easy to keep shopping without having to stop. Kids (and grown ups) can become irritable when they're tired, hungry and thirsty, so plan for snacks and short breaks along the way.
Holiday Survival Tip #10: It's OK to peel away!
If you are hosting people at your home, help your child know when and how it is OK to peel away and have some down time without offending your guests. When you are visiting friends and family, talk with the hosts and identify a quiet space where your child can "escape" when he or she is feeling overwhelmed or in need of some time alone. Also be sure to ask about any house rules (like no food in the bedrooms and no chasing the cats) that will make the visit fun for all.
Holiday Survival Tip #11: Don’t overdo it
We all know that holiday celebrations can be tiring and stressful for children and adults alike. Don't be reluctant to be the last ones to show up (just call ahead if you are running really late), choose something other than fruit cake to bring along (a game or puzzle is often a great substitute for food) and it’s fine to be the first ones to say thanks for the eggnog and goodbye if that will help make your visit more enjoyable. Also, remember that no one likes a cranky houseguest! So don’t feel obligated to accept each and every social invitation. Keep a calendar on hand and plan for both outside events and quiet times with your child and family.
Holiday Survival Tip #12: Special holiday times begin at home
Make time for private, special interactions with your child during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Building a gingerbread house, making decorations for your home (and to give as gifts to others) or finger-painting place mats for Grandma can become a tradition that will stay with your family for years to come.
Holiday Survival Tip #13: One-two-three, say cheese!
I’m ready for my close-up! Want to get one with me and grandpa? Let your child be the event photographer. This could be a great ice-breaker for children who need to maintain some distance from the action and still feel engaged. It is also a wonderful way for children to build fond memories and interact with family and friends. Keep the fun going by helping your child share the photo memories after the event.
Holiday Survival Tip #14: Don’t forget your routine
Cookies and milk will always be a part of the holiday season, but eating well and getting enough rest are important all year round. Don't let these routines get away from you completely, as they will be harder to re-establish once the holiday season is done.
Holiday Survival Tip #15: Buy universal toys
So you want to buy your children something to stimulate their brains this holiday season, but with all the “educational” toys out there, it’s tough to find the right ones that are teaching the right things. This article from News for Parents.org — "Play it Safe: Choose the Right Toy for Your Child" — offers some ideas on how to select the most appropriate toys for your child.
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