The holidays are supposed to be a happy time, but parents of toddlers know that even with all of the smiles, there are likely to be a few tears, tantrums, and other trouble spots. That is okay. At times like these, it is important to remember that the things that your toddler is likely to remember the most are the good times and not the bad.
I wish that I was able to offer some magic formula for holiday success. You know, the kind of thing where if you do a certain thing, the kids will enjoy every moment of their holiday and will behave properly the entire time to boot. I can do no such thing, though, because toddlers are toddlers. They do not take a break from being toddlers just because it is a special occasion, no matter how much we might wish that they could.
As for avoiding potential pitfalls, there are things that you can do to maximize the likelihood that you and your toddler have a good time. Things like keeping as close as you can to the kids’ regular schedule, making sure that they get plenty of nutritious foods, and staying closely connected to them so that you are mindful of their needs are a good start.
Other than that, toddlers will be toddlers. Not every house you visit will be kid – friendly, or childproofed, for that matter. Wrapped gifts will likely prove too tempting no matter whose name is on the tag. Children will want to play, no matter how crowded the house is, and they will probably be so excited that they will want to play rough, fast, and with things that they find within reach that are not toys. Plates of food placed on the table for entertaining just beg to be swiped at by little hands, especially if it is a table full of desserts at a toddler’s eye level.
How do I know these things? I’ve been there. I am there, right along with you. I hope that you and your toddlers have a wonderful holiday, with many warm and joyful moments that you can remember for years to come. I know that we have made a few wonderful memories and we are not even all the way through Christmas yet.