The holiday season brings fun moments with family and friends. For parents, it can also mean navigating through plans, travel, and expectations with your children. Luckily, there are some simple tips to follow to ensure your children are prepared for travel and holiday gatherings. Remember, you don’t have to attend every party or partake in every holiday event- the important thing is to find what works for your family’s individual needs. 

Plan Ahead 

• Traveling or holiday events: Everyone has more fun if children get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and there is time for downtime. Children need to sleep, eat, play, and unwind, even during holiday fun. By fulfilling basic needs (yours included), you’ll lessen the chances of holiday stress.

• During long trips or while visiting a relative’s or friend’s home, pack some familiar things that can help your child in a new environment. These can include a favorite toy or blanket, calming music and headphones, or coloring books and crayons if they need a relaxing activity.

• Have conversations with your child before leaving your house about what will be happening so everyone feels prepared. You can also identify a space for your child to have some quiet time during gatherings or events.

• Remember, you don’t have to attend every party or holiday event. Finding balance can make the season more relaxed.

Helpful Holiday Tasks Kids Can Do

Teaching kids how to do things for themselves gives them a step toward independence and a sense of pride and accomplishment. Finding ways to include your children in an event can make it more meaningful for everyone. Additionally, it can help take some things off your own to-do list! This holiday season, try giving your child some age-appropriate tasks or chores such as:

• For toddlers and early preschoolers, have them pick out holiday books to read together, help with baking holiday treats by mixing ingredients and stirring them in a bowl, or collecting the recycling and trash after unwrapping gifts.

• Before a meal, have your children set the table or help decorate by creating place cards or designing placemats.

• Whether you’re hosting or traveling for the holidays, your kids can help prepare by picking out their own clothes to pack or wear, and deciding on what colors and types of clothing they prefer. 

Go Over Safety Tips

Though it’s great for kids to be involved in holiday preparations, safety is also important, especially during festive gatherings when there is a lot of activity and people in the home and on the roads.

• Keep children at least three feet away from the stove and away from hot food and liquids.

• Be sure electrical cords are out of reach of reach of children.

• If traveling, plan your route ahead of time, be aware of weather conditions, buckle up. Be careful in busy parking lots while out shopping. 

During the holidays, it’s important to manage expectations. With a little planning and communication, you can create joyful and memorable experiences for everyone! For more resources on parenting and holiday tips, check out our Family Resources page at https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/family-resources.