When the Christmas season comes around we can count on a few things: 1) lots of fun family time, and 2) lots of fun family time disrupted by kids’ bad behavior. Kids often misbehave A LOT during the holidays. Their schedules are messed up; they’re over-excited and over-stimulated. (Don’t even get me started on all the extra SUGAR.) If you’d like to stop holiday misbehaving before it starts, here are 12 ways to do that:
Prepare
1. Let your children know your expectations and what they can expect. Our kids are introduced to a lot of new people and activities, and they often don’t know how to act. Before you step through the door of Grandma’s house, give them a rundown of what’s to come. Also offer any special instructions: “I know it’s hard not to run and play loudly at Grandma’s house, she’s just not used to it. When we get home you’ll be able to have fun with your noisy toys.”
2. Fill them in on the schedule and details. Do you have numerous holiday events during the week? Tell your kids where you’re going and what you’ll be doing. If possible help them create their own calendar and mark off the days. Make notes on dates they’ll need extra preparation, such as picking out a nice outfit. Remind them of the schedule as the week progresses.
3. Pack a fun activity bag. Boredom is one leading cause of misbehavior. If you’re shopping or visiting family, allow your child to pack special things to play with or do.
4. Calm yourself first. If you’re stressed, overstimulated, or overwhelmed, your kids will be too. Prepare your own heart and emotions for everything that’s happening. When you feel yourself tensing up or getting frustrated, take care of those emotions; take a few deep breaths and remind yourself what’s truly important . . . otherwise you’ll be passing on those negative emotions.
Plan
5. Stick to the routine as much as possible. Make time for dinner as a family around the table even if you’re only having sandwiches. Get your children to bed on time as many nights as possible. Kids thrive on what’s familiar.
6. Create white space for your children to have a break. We sometimes think we have to fill the holidays with lots of extra-special events, but sometimes kids just want to chill out with a fun movie or play with their toys, and that’s OK.
7. Allow your kids to pick out their favorite activities. Ask, “What would your ideal holiday look like if you planned it?” Our family usually picks 2–3 favorite activities, such as baking cookies, looking at Christmas lights, and reading a few favorite Christmas stories. Don’t feel as if you have to do everything.
8. Understand kids can be stressed too. Give your kids permission to let you know when they need some quiet time. Are there too many people at Aunt Jennifer’s house? Make a plan ahead of time for a place your child can go for quiet—like cuddling on auntie’s bed—even for a few minutes.
Read the rest of this post at thebettermom.com.
It wasn’t always easy and the results weren’t immediate, but after a year of no grumbling, our life as a family has radically changed. Now, instead of finding fault and looking for excuses, we find joy in the journey–whether rain or sun. We have learned to laugh at our struggles and look for God in the small inconveniences. Day in and day out we are growing and becoming more thankful for all we have.
I’ve been looking forward to sharing this journey with you since the beginning and now its finally here. Get yours here: www.thegrumblefreeyear.com
Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.
