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Home › Articles › Holiday: Winter › Toddling Through the Holidays

Toddling Through the Holidays

Making Time for Toddlers While Finding Peace on Earth

By Mark Stackpole

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And if the errands get overwhelming? The Kelmans divide and conquer so that their time together can truly be their own. "When we have a busy week or weekend planned, my husband and I sometimes split up," she says. "He takes [our daughter] someplace just for her, I go run errands, and we meet up and have dinner as a family."

No matter how busy the days may get, it is important to honor the daily rituals that children have become accustomed to and, in some cases, dependent upon. Kelman always makes sure that bedtime is sacrosanct and that Jaiden gets the individual attention that she wants and needs – there are books to be read, conversations to be had and deep breaths to be taken. Letting a child know that nothing will interrupt or compromise this time is important to helping them manage the busy nature of the season.

Simplifying the Holidays
"When is enough 'enough'? Since you have a toddler, the time to say 'enough' is now," says Dr. Stephen Curtis, child psychologist and author of Understanding Your Child's Puzzling Behavior (Lifespan Press, 2008). "It is time for you to reflect and prioritize what you consider most important in your family traditions during the holiday season. It is time to simplify and focus on creating meaningful experiences with your quickly developing child."

His suggestions for making sure that your family, especially the little ones, stay true to the spirit of the season? Make a list and check it twice – or three times, or as often as it takes to get it right. "List on paper all of your current traditions, perceived 'must-do's' and possible new traditions for the holiday season – mailing greeting cards, baking cookies, going to parties," he says. "Reflect on each generated item and pick your top five traditions to implement. Focus on making these chosen traditions quality and special. If you have time for the rest of your list, wonderful. If not, oh well. Eliminate them."


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