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Creating Memories - Positive Parenting

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Did you know that it takes 72 muscles to frown, but only 13 to smile! Put those smiling muscles to use over Christmas and the holiday season, as you enjoy the new memories and traditions you are creating with your family. For kids, Christmas and the holiday season is often the most exciting time of the year. But as adults, the demands can sometimes be quite overwhelming. There are many ways families can relieve the pressure and make this a fun and enjoyable time for the whole family.

Fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune and it can be as simple as including the family in planning your Christmas lunch or holiday activities. Plunket’s clinical advisor, Erin Beatson says “Getting the kids involved is one of the best ways to create these everlasting memories. Let them help decorate the Christmas tree or pack the picnic lunch. Whatever you are planning, chances are there will be something your children can do which will make them feel so special. You never know, they might just end up being helpful!”

Get your family involved by:

•    Making decorations together – any sorts of arts and crafts
•    Choosing and decorating the Christmas tree as a family
•    Letting the children prepare their lunches for the next day’s activities
•    Writing up a holiday calendar of fun activities
•    Packing down the Christmas tree and decorations (each child could collect a different coloured decoration – making it a game).

Erin also says, “Although it is a busy time of year, it’s really important that families still remember to plan ahead and keep those regular routines in place. It’s a great idea to try and anticipate any possible problems and solutions, especially if you are in unfamiliar environments like friends’ houses, or public events.”

Children need to know the rules and limits you expect, especially at this time of the year when excitement kicks in. Talk through boundaries with them wherever possible. It is easier for a child to accept rules if they are fair, positive and consistent, so make sure you stick to them.

•    If your child does something you have asked them not to do, make sure you follow through. For example, “I am stopping the car now and we will carry on to the beach when you are quiet”. This could also mean asking them to say sorry if they have hurt someone, or helping you clean up if they have made a mess.
•    Have realistic expectations. A very small child will have trouble staying still or quiet and might make a mess when learning to feed themselves. Your rules and boundaries can change as your child gets older and develops more skills.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas and summer holidays, but remember to keep relaxed and enjoy this time with your family. However you choose to celebrate your holidays, take the time to involve your children and have fun!

For more information about positive parenting talk to your Plunket nurse, call PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (7am-12midnight).