Creating Merry Moments During The Holidays


As the holidays approach parents want to make it special for their kids. There can be a lot of big feelings that show up for kids and parents around the holidays. As a mom and lover of family holidays, I see you! My best memories when my kids were young don't have to do with gifts, huge "to-dos" or the cool thing every other family was doing!  Looking back my sweetest memories with kids were the simple things such as going to the post office and putting stamps on cards, decorating cookies with WAY too much frosting, and down time together on the couch watching a movie. We all want to create a magical holiday for our kids, so what does it really take?

We have this idea as parents that we have to check all the boxes and get it perfect or our kids will be disappointed. This pressure can feel really overwhelming to parents and the holidays are often overwhelming to kids. 

How do we create a holiday that is MOSTLY enjoyable without the overwhelm? 

What really matters to kids? 


Here are a few tips to help make the holidays a little more joyful and allow us to create merry moments for both parents and kids!

  • Remember what is important and focus on that! What does your family value and make decisions based on those goals and values. 
  • Plan Down Time! Yes I get there are so many things to say yes to and lots of things to accomplish, what your kids need during this very busy time and you do as well is down time! Plan in time to do nothing, whatever you like and let yourself and your kids recharge.
  • Respect the routines! Kids feel safe and secure with routines and known expectations. It does get busy, pick a few must keep routines and try your best to honor those during the holidays.
  • Find Balance! This is the key... there will be times the kids go to bed late or the mourning routine is off, no big deal, the next day show them HOW to reset!
  • Communicate, Communicate, Communicate! Tell your kids what to expect, preset them, and remember they are operating with lots of big feeling during this time, it is expected that they won't be able to access all of their skills! As the parent be ready and expect that they will need your support and connection during this time even more than normal!
Remember that real connection and those merry moment happen when everyone is regulated, grounded and in the present moment!  One day you are going to look back as a parent on these days and moments, decide now how you want them to go and who you want to be!

Have a wonderful Holiday Season!
If you want more tips on how to create less stress and more joy during the holidays I will be offering a Parent Pause Pop up Class on Creating Merry Moments

~Kirsten, I am certified parent coach and special education teacher who helps overwhelmed parents create connection, strengthening communication while guiding and empowering families to teach their children skills!


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