Giving Thanks for Toddlers
Ah, surviving the holidays in Toddlerland. It’s just a short sprint towards Thanksgiving and then a continuous run through Chanukah, Christmas and New Year’s. Are you ready? Feeling thankful and experiencing joy and generosity are big components of the celebratory season, along with angst and stress that accompanies a cacophony of relatives, long distance travel, over-hyped expectations, and often an over abundance of food and gifts.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the approaching holidays, imagine how your strong willed, easily impulsive, and often moody toddler will feel. Even more overwhelmed and stimulated! As someone who’s gone through it with three of my own, expect a heightened level of crankiness and more meltdowns next week. Take a calming sip of hot cider- holidays get easier as your children grow up. And in the meantime, there are many things you can do to make your holiday feast and festivities toddler-friendly.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY: Modify your expectations so they work for both you and your child. There is only so much you can reasonably accomplish, and there’s only so much you can reasonably expect from your little one.
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