Thursday, November 20, 2014

SIX STEPS TO A HAPPY HOLIDAY



They’re Back!!  The Holidays are here and that means family, fun and sometimes: feuds. When it comes to the holidays— expectations run high and everyone wants to have quality time with the kids. That’s how it should be, but to make your youngsters’ holidays everything you and they dream they should be— follow these six steps:
                1). Manage expectations- Often our fantasies don’t live up to reality, but letting go of the notion of a perfect holiday allows you to enjoy the actual holiday you’re having.
                2). Keep your children in the traditions they’re accustomed to. It’s tempting to want to take your kids across country to visit relatives, but having a holiday where they feel familiar, safe and secure is paramount.
                3). Familiar doesn’t mean monotonous. Invite your far away relatives to visit you. Keep the old traditions but sprinkle in a few new ones too. —With adopted children, when appropriate, try an maintain a relationship with the birth family and include them in the festivities.  If your child is adopted from another culture, incorporate holiday customs from that culture.
                4). Understand that there will be mixed emotions, especially for older children, so acknowledge your kid’s feelings and build trust so that they can be open with you.
                5). If you’ re co-parenting make sure you have a plan in place that allows the kids to see both parents, always remember your children have a different relationship with your ex than you do.
                6). Most importantly, always make what your children need a priority over what you want.

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