🎄 Holiday Survival Guide: Keeping Your Little Elf Happy 🎅
By
Mellow Editorial Team
·
2 minute read
The holiday season is a magical time, filled with twinkling lights, festive cheer, and...a whole lot of potential chaos! 🎉 With so much excitement, changes in routine, and social interactions, it's no wonder our little ones might get a bit fussy. Here's why:
Why the Holiday Blues? 🤔
- Sensory Overload: All the new people, sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the holidays can be overwhelming for little ones. 🌟🍬🎶
- Routine Disruptions: Changes to your child's regular schedule can lead to fussiness and meltdowns. 🕰️💥
- Parental Stress: Your little one can pick up on your stress, which can contribute to their own anxiety. 😬💖
Tips to Navigate the Holiday Hustle 🌟
1. Santa's Secret Recipe for Calm Kids
Start with a Well-Rested child
A well-rested kid is a happy kid. Stick to your child's regular sleep schedule as much as possible, even during the holidays. When it comes to sleep and the holidays, let’s aim for 80% consistency and 20% flexibility. We all know you can’t stick to a routine every day when you’re visiting family, so pick the important days to keep a regular routine and take it easy on other days. Your little one will thank you!
Important: After a late night, your child will likely wake up at the usual time. Adjust with extra downtime or earlier bedtime on the following day to make up for missed sleep.
Healthy Eating
Keep their little tummies happy with nutritious meals and snacks. Indulge in holiday treats, but remember, moderation is key. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Limit Screen Time
Too much screen time can lead to overstimulation, so limit it to short bursts.
2. Elf on the Shelf: The Secret to Good Behavior
Set Expectations
Toddlers love to know what’s coming next. Explain what’s going to happen at the family gathering (yes, that means talking about the presents 🎁, the food 🍗, and the music 🎶). This helps them feel ready for all the excitement.
Encourage Good Behavior
Reward good behavior with small treats or special activities, and use gentle redirection for negative behaviors. If you see a tantrum coming, try distracting them with a new activity, toy, or game. A change of focus can do wonders!
Plan for Downtime
Schedule quiet moments for your child to relax and recharge. Pack a "Calm-Down Kit", a small bag with a favorite toy, book, or blanket can be a lifesaver during stressful situations. Be also prepared to adjust your plans as needed.
Quality Time
Make time for one-on-one activities with your child. Whether it’s reading together before bed, building a fort, or taking a nature walk, these moments foster connection and reduce anxiety. To make the most of it, set aside distractions, follow your child’s lead in play, even if just for 10 minutes.
Practice “Warm-Up” Visiting 🤗
Holidays mean a lot of people want to hold your baby or talk to your toddler. It’s overwhelming! Let your little one ease into it by observing first, with you close by. Let them warm up to the situation before you pass them around like a holiday fruitcake. 🎂
Make Time for Yourself 🙋♀️
Parents, take care of YOU too! You need rest to be the calm, loving parent your little one needs. Don’t skip your own downtime, because when you’re rested, you’re at your best.
By following these tips, you can help your child navigate the holiday season with less stress and more joy. 🎁🎉 🎄🎅