| In the run-up to Christmas, we may not know it, but | | | | mean you are not rejecting them by shooing them |
| we're already preparing ourselves for some stress. | | | | away whenever they come in and get under your |
| We're getting together our ideas of what we want to | | | | feet. They are more likely to respond positively to the |
| do on the day, who we're inviting, where we're going, | | | | rule rather than being told to go away. |
| and what gifts we are buying. In all this, we're | | | | - If you don't traditionally open your presents until after |
| developing expectations. Expectations of how the day | | | | lunch, give the kids a gift to open in the morning to |
| will pan out, and in doing so, it's often likely that some | | | | keep them occupied. |
| of those expectations won't be met. And in all this, we | | | | - Have a great all-round family game for kids and |
| want our children to have a great Christmas too. So | | | | guests to get on with while you are making the |
| how do we have a great Christmas without all the | | | | preparations for lunch. |
| stresses that put a strain on our relationships, not only | | | | - If you've got creative kids who want to help, give |
| with our kids, but with our guests too? | | | | them a task in the kitchen that they can get on with, |
| . Patience and understanding. Not really something that | | | | like preparing vegetables. Remember, let go of any |
| springs to mind when we think about all our relatives | | | | ideas of perfection - most guests understand that |
| coming over. There are always the usual infuriating | | | | some things kids do for us won't be perfect - the fact |
| comments made by at least one relation, maybe about | | | | that they prepared it will be appreciated. |
| our children's behaviour or what they're eating. When | | | | - After Christmas day, when all the guests have gone |
| you react to something, look at what's behind your | | | | home, it does seem to be a bit bleak, with the |
| reaction, the meaning you are giving it. For example, if | | | | excitement over and more days in the school break to |
| a comment were directed at you and your child like | | | | get through. Be organised with ideas of activities so |
| "kids these days are just not grateful for all these | | | | that no-one is bored. |
| expensive toys", how would you be feeling? Would | | | | - After all the over-eating, a feeling of lethargy can kick |
| you be cross, or guilty? And why? It comes down to | | | | in. Kids can be hyperactive, and behaviour wilder than |
| the meaning you have given it - you could make it | | | | normal, causing family upsets. Get them outside, doing |
| mean 'I'm not a good mother', or 'I've brought my child | | | | active pursuits - walking, riding bikes, scooters and |
| up to be selfish'. If this is so, then you can choose to | | | | skateboards, running on the beach. |
| give it a totally new meaning, maybe, 'that's just the | | | | Christmas doesn't have to be a time of sitting around |
| way he is', 'it doesn't mean anything', or you can | | | | and eating. Doing so doesn't bode well with the child's |
| understand that, especially with elderly people, they are | | | | active needs - they do need to be busy and occupied |
| still living in their youth and do not understand modern | | | | and using up their energy, so sitting around can mean |
| values. | | | | they have excess energy they use up in less than |
| - Even though you are busy preparing lunch and | | | | acceptable ways, like irritating those around them, and |
| serving your guests' needs, be aware that your kids | | | | being boisterous in closed spaces. So even on |
| still need your attention and see you as their number | | | | Christmas day, it can be good for all family and guests |
| one role model - do not neglect them. Remain patient | | | | to get out and about for a walk at the park or beach, |
| with them, and answer their requests. | | | | fly a kite, play ball. |
| - At strategic times, get a relative to look after them - | | | | So with a little preparation and a few rules, Christmas |
| this is often appreciated by both parties. Relatives like | | | | day this year can be enjoyable and a little more |
| to think they are wanted and are being useful. | | | | relaxed than normal. Or of course, you can do what |
| - Make Rule Number One - No kids in the kitchen | | | | some do, and just get away from it all together, to |
| before lunch! This means you can get on with | | | | sunnier or colder climes, and have a totally different |
| preparations without stressful interruptions. It will also | | | | Christmas all together! |