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Nine Tips For A Stress-Free Family Christmas With The Kids

Tags: christmas, family christmas, stress-free family christmas, parenting, love kids, get on with relations, get on with relatives, patience with kids, relaxed christmas, fun christmas

In the run-up to Christmas, we may not know it, but we’re already preparing ourselves for some stress. We’re getting together our ideas of what we want to do on the day, who we’re inviting, where we’re going, and what gifts we are buying. In all this, we’re developing expectations. Expectations of how the day will pan out, and in doing so, it’s often likely that some of those expectations won’t be met. And in all this, we want our children to have a great Christmas too. So how do we have a great Christmas without all the stresses that put a strain on our relationships, not only with our kids, but with our guests too?

. Even though you are busy preparing lunch and serving your guests’ needs, be aware that your kids still need your attention and see you as their number one role model – do not neglect them. Remain patient with them, and answer their requests.

. At strategic times, get a relative to look after them – this is often appreciated by both parties. Relatives like to think they are wanted and are being useful.

. Make Rule Number One - No kids in the kitchen before lunch! This means you can get on with preparations without stressful interruptions. It will also mean you are not rejecting them by shooing them away whenever they come in and get under your feet. They are more likely to respond positively to the rule rather than being told to go away.

. Patience and understanding. Not really something that springs to mind when we think about all our relatives coming over. There are always the usual infuriating comments made by at least one relation, maybe about our children’s behaviour or what they’re eating. When you react to something, look at what’s behind your reaction, the meaning you are giving it. For example, if a comment were directed at you and your child like “kids these days are just not grateful for all these expensive toys”, how would you be feeling? Would you be cross, or guilty? And why? It comes down to the meaning you have given it – you could make it mean вЂ

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<h1>Nine Tips For A Stress-Free Family Christmas With The Kids</h1><br />by ritaoffen<br />In the run-up to Christmas, we may not know it, but we’re already preparing ourselves for some stress. We’re getting together our ideas of what we want to do on the day, who we’re inviting, where we’re going, and what gifts we are buying. In all this, we’re developing expectations. Expectations of how the day will pan out, and in doing so, it’s often likely that some of those expectations won’t be met. And in all this, we want our children to have a great Christmas too. So how do we have a great Christmas without all the stresses that put a strain on our relationships, not only with our kids, but with our guests too?<br /><br />. Even though you are busy preparing lunch and serving your guests’ needs, be aware that your kids still need your attention and see you as their number one role model – do not neglect them. Remain patient with them, and answer their requests.<br /><br />. At strategic times, get a relative to look after them – this is often appreciated by both parties. Relatives like to think they are wanted and are being useful.<br /><br />. Make Rule Number One - No kids in the kitchen before lunch! This means you can get on with preparations without stressful interruptions. It will also mean you are not rejecting them by shooing them away whenever they come in and get under your feet. They are more likely to respond positively to the rule rather than being told to go away.<br /><br />. Patience and understanding. Not really something that springs to mind when we think about all our relatives coming over. There are always the usual infuriating comments made by at least one relation, maybe about our children’s behaviour or what they’re eating. When you react to something, look at what’s behind your reaction, the meaning you are giving it. For example, if a comment were directed at you and your child like “kids these days are just not grateful for all these expensive toys”, how would you be feeling? Would you be cross, or guilty? And why? It comes down to the meaning you have given it – you could make it mean вЂ<br /><h2>About the Author</h2><p>Christmas doesn't have to be stressful, nor parenting year-round, with The Chilled Parent. For a FREE ezine <A href=\http://chilledparent.com/Ebook.htm\>http://www.chilledparent.com/Ebook.htm</A></p> <br /><h3><a href="http://www.content4reprint.com/family/holidays/nine-tips-for-a-stress-free-family-christmas-with-the-kids.htm" title="Nine Tips For A Stress-Free Family Christmas With The Kids">Article Source:</a> <a href="http://www.content4reprint.com" title="Free high quality articles">Content for Reprint</a></h3>