Tips for Keeping the Holidays Happy
The arrival of the holidays also tends to bring lots of events, busyness, and schedule-disrupting activities. Because preschoolers thrive on predictable rhythms, this can bring a lot of chaos to an already busy season. Rather than embracing a ‘Grinchy’ mood and avoiding all festivities that you can, with a few boundary-friendly habits and realistic expectations, this holiday season your little one’s face can be full of joy rather than overstimulation.
Looking for some simple tips to help this holiday season go off without a hitch? Take a look at these research-backed strategies that you can implement not just for the sake of your preschooler, but for your entire family, as well.
Here at Chester Child Development Center, we know that the Holidays can be a stressful, though magical, time of year. Call us today to ask about our holiday schedules and how we can support your family through this season of togetherness while still keeping the holiday magic alive.
1. Start with a simple “game plan”
Within early childhood education, letting children know what to expect is huge to help ease any insecurity that a child might feel about a situation or event. Before you arrive, prepare your child for the event with a brief preview: who will be there, where they can play, when food will happen, and where they can go if they need help or a break. This “social script” will help lessen any anxiety that they might have as well as aid with any transitions. A preview will also set you up to reinforce the same plan on-site.
2. Keep some schedule staples
As mentioned earlier, preschoolers really benefit from having a schedule that they can anticipate. Try keeping some schedule staples like nap/quiet time or a familiar bedtime routine. The U.S. Office of Head Start agrees that keeping a couple of routines steady through times of disrupted schedules helps kids regulate in noisy, new spaces.
Schedules are everything for us here at Chester Child Development Center. We like to keep in line with our daily rhythm while also bringing in some special holiday festivities. Schedule a tour to see our varying classroom schedules and to ask about our plans for the holidays!
3. Prime them with “serve-and-return” connection
Eye contact, short back-and-forth chats, and shared play are all “serve-and-return” interactions, according to Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child. Engaging in serve-and-return actions with your little one before and during the event will help kids feel safe, seen, and ready to explore. You are your child’s safe place, so touching base to make sure they know you are there, paying attention, and available if they need you can make a world of difference.
4. Support body autonomy
Set children up for quality boundaries while also modeling consent with an easy-to-implement script, like: “Would you like a hug, a high-five, or a wave?” Whether greeting teachers at daycare or childcare, a friend on the playground, or a family member at a holiday event, respecting your preschoolers answer to this question teaches that their body is theirs. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports this concept in that it builds a foundation for safety now, as well as for later in life. Offering alternatives to forced hugs gives everyone a simple way to set expectations and greet warmly while honoring boundaries.
Body autonomy is majorly important–especially in early childhood education. Laying a solid understanding of boundaries and respect for their body and others will help support and keep children safe as they grow. Our educators here at Chester Child Development Center are very intentional to cultivate a safe environment that lays a solid foundation for safety and learning through preschool and beyond. Schedule a tour with us today to meet our teachers with their classes in action!
5. Cultivate calm spaces and play
Upon arrival, scan the host’s space or ask them where a safe place is for your little one to play. Bringing a small bag of travel toys can provide some entertainment in any environment–especially in places that are not otherwise set up for kids. Additionally, let your child know where they can come to find you should they need help or a place to rest. A handful or quiet time activities or a book and cozy blanket can be incredibly helpful should your little one feel overstimulated or stressed. The Child Mind Institute has found that many children—even those without sensory differences—do better when they can step away from bright lights and loud rooms.
Looking for some easy activities to bring along to the next holiday event or family gathering? Schedule a tour today and chat with our teachers here at Chester Child Development Center! They have tons of ideas and activities up their sleeves that they are ready to share.
6. Debrief on the ride home
A quick “rose/bud/thorn” check-in (favorite moment, something new, something hard) builds self-awareness and resilience–important skills to develop in early childhood education. This also offers a connection point with your little one to find out their take on the event and to be there for them further if there is anything they would like to talk through. This sets a foundation of trust that will encourage communication and touching base in the future–which will be huge as they gain independence and no longer physically require touching base with a parent or caregiver as often.
Manage Expectations
Remember that with preschoolers, sometimes the goal is “good enough” rather than “picture perfect.” Shorter stays, comfy clothes, or arriving after nap might make the difference between meltdowns and memories. As a parent, preschool teacher, or caregiver, you can protect boundaries and honor early childhood development while building joyful connections. Looking for support in your child’s early childhood education journey? Call us up here at Chester Child Development Center today and let’s chat about how we can come alongside your family this holiday season and beyond.