The holidays are full of magic and memorable moments, but they can also be busy and overwhelming for families. Between packing, traveling, hosting, and cooking, everyday routines can get disrupted. For young children, these changes often bring big feelings, which can make the season feel extra exhausting for parents.
It doesn’t have to be that way. With a little planning, realistic expectations, and some simple strategies, you can help children maintain routines that feel steady and predictable, even when days are full of activity and change.
Here are some practical, child-centered ways to support your child and keep routines consistent throughout the holiday season:
- Give Choices: Try offering small decisions to help children practice independence and feel a sense of control. In our classrooms, children often feel more secure when they can make choices, such as picking which snack to eat or which book to bring along.
- Smooth Transitions: It’s common for children this age to get fussy when routines shift, whether it’s a new place, a different snack, or meeting new people. Letting them know what’s coming next can help them feel safe. Saying something like, ‘First we’ll have a snack, then we’ll visit Grandma,’ gives them a clear sense of what to expect.
- Stick to Familiar Routines: Keeping familiar routines in place helps children feel calm and connected, especially when days are busy or full of changes. Things like brushing teeth, a bedtime story, or a family meal provide comfort and make the day feel more manageable.
- Prepare for Emotions: Big feelings are normal during the holidays. At Celebree School, we help children name their emotions, for example, ‘I see you’re frustrated that the car ride is long,’ and provide calming strategies or a safe space like deep breaths, a favorite stuffed animal, or a quiet corner to help them regulate.
- Invite Them to Help: Children are naturally curious and want to be involved. At Celebree, we encourage this by letting them help with small tasks. At home, try giving them similar opportunities, like helping set the table or wrap gifts, to keep them engaged and learning through real-life activities, outside of school.
Holidays come with big feelings, late nights, and lots of change, and that’s completely normal. By staying flexible and focusing on connection instead of perfection, we can help our children feel calm, safe, and supported. If you are looking to learn more about how we support our families during the holidays, contact us for more information!
