The holidays are a special time for many families – gathering with relatives and friends to share memories and create new ones. This time of year can also be stressful. Not only for the parents or caregivers but the kids too. Trying to keep track of everything can turn your holiday cheer into tears. However, the more you can think ahead of the potential stresses, the better you and your family can prepare.
Travel
If your family’s holiday season plans involve traveling, there are steps I recommend taking to ensure as safe and smooth a trip as possible. A big one is sleep. If you’re going to be staying someplace else that your child isn’t familiar with, have them practice by sleeping on an air mattress or in a sleeping bag in the living room. This will help them get comfortable to a new sleep environment and could be fun, too. In addition, stick to your child’s usual sleep and mealtime schedules around the holidays, whether or not you’re traveling. It may not always be possible, but keeping their routine can prevent tantrums.
If you’re flying:
• If your children haven’t flown before, talk to them about the security screening process before getting to the airport. For example, explain that backpacks and other bags have to go through
the X-ray machine. But they will be returned once they come out the other end.
•Have your children wear shoes and outer layers of clothing that are easy to take off for the security screening – such as zip-up sweatshirts and slip-on shoes.
•Wash hands frequently and bring hand sanitizer to try and prevent getting sick while traveling.
If you’re driving:
•Children can become restless on a long road trip. Try your best to limit your child’s time on screens. You can do this by pointing out sights along the way or packing car-friendly games.
•Pack a winter survival kit, including but not limited to a first-aid kit, battery-powered light and non-perishable foods.
•Plan stops every two hours to give yourself and your family a break.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has great list of travel tips that you can find at its parenting website.
Food
The centerpiece of almost any family holiday gathering is the food – especially during Thanksgiving. Some people may spend days planning the menu, grocery shopping and prepping the meal. But what if, after all that work, your child won’t eat it? There are kids who do not like the typical Thanksgiving dishes like turkey and stuffing. To prevent a meltdown at the dinner table, consider incorporating things like turkey, gravy and stuffing into family meals ahead of time. Or, plan to have a child-friendly option at the meal that you know they will eat.
Another consideration around food is allergies. For instance, if you’re child, or one of their cousins, has a peanut or egg allergy, communicate that to all the guests. If you’re going to be eating someplace else, talk to the host ahead of time to ensure they understand your child’s food allergy.
Food may be the centerpiece for many holiday gatherings, but it shouldn’t be a free-for-all for eating. There’s sometimes so much food readily available that kids could snack nonstop, which can lead to tummy troubles and prevent kids from eating well during the mealtime. I recommend establishing guidelines around eating. Try to keep snacking to a minimum by setting a specific window of time that they are out. And, once the main meal is done – plan to get the food out of view.
Gifts
On the topic of gifts, you should not feel pressured to overspend. You can help your child make a gift or two – such as an ornament or art. Consider participating in a volunteer activity and include your child, such as helping out at a local food bank or other nonprofit organization. This is an opportunity to teach your child that gifts don’t always come in boxes.
Managing family dynamics
Every family is different. Holiday celebrations may be spread out and happen on different days if the parents are separated or divorced. It’s important that parents or caregivers who are no longer together collaborate and communicate during the holidays – especially if this will be the child’s first holiday season after the separation or divorce. Remind your child that the holidays aren’t about the date on the calendar – but about togetherness and celebrating what you have with your family. One thing the COVID-19 pandemic taught us is to be more flexible about our expectations around the holidays.
Finally, remember to take care of yourself – physically and mentally. Kids can sense your wellbeing and if you can successfully cope with stress, your children will learn to do the same.
Ask the Pediatrician column featuring Dr. Gigi Chawla, vice president, Chief of General Pediatrics at Children’s Minnesota.
