I feel like there should be a warning for all parents around mid-November that reads: Caution. Self-regulation may be limited. As the season's shift and the store shelves begin to burst with the latest toys and flashy gadgets, kids dream of candy, Santa, and getting gifts for doing absolutely nothing. That’s a lot of excitement to … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Holiday Stress Survival Guide for Parents
It's the most wonderful time of the year. Or so the song says. But you know better. You know that there are crowded malls. Burned cookies. And overwhelmed children. If you're feeling frustrated already, hang in there! It is possible to keep the joy in the season These posts will help you stay focused on what's important, plan ahead for … [Read more...]
Why I Hate Santa
My 1st grader burst into the door with exciting news: "Mom, I have to be good, Santa's watching me!" While most parents would leap for joy at that statement, I cringed. Santa's not watching you," I mumbled under my breath. Trying not to crush her spirit – or her enthusiasm for being good – I forced a smile. Suddenly, it all came back to … [Read more...]
How to Cope When the Holidays are Not Merry & Bright
While the whole world seems to be ringing bells and singing, you are struggling. The holidays are a season of faking a smile and pretending that everything is ok. Things are definitely not ok, but these are things you don't talk about at the company holiday party. Like how the fighting with your spouse is getting to be too … [Read more...]
Holiday Stress Survival Guide Tip #3: Manage Post-Gift Letdown
There's a mound of wrapping paper in the middle of the floor. Boxes and ribbons are scattered around the room. Your kids are happily enjoying their new toys. Or maybe not... Maybe your 17-year-old is pouting because she didn't get the designer handbag she wanted. Maybe 15 minutes later, your son is complaining that he is … [Read more...]
Holiday Stress Survival Guide Tip #2: Set Reasonable Expectations
It seems that no other time of year holds more unmet expectations than Christmas. Your kids have super-high expectations. Gift lists a mile long. Dreams of stockings bursting with toys on Christmas morning. But you probably have super-high expectations too. You expect that you can decorate the house like a professional. … [Read more...]
Holiday Stress Survival Guide Tip #1: Breathe
Thanksgiving is over. Christmas is fast approaching. Some of you cheerfully blast the Christmas music and make 15 different types of cookies while stringing lights on the tree and serving hot cocoa to neighborhood children. Or maybe you feel like a giant piano has landed on your chest. You can't move. You can't focus. You … [Read more...]
Don’t Cancel Christmas! 5 Tips to Relieve Holiday Stress
It's a miracle that the tree is actually still standing. Between the impromptu pillow fight in the living room and your toddler's never-ending interest in rearranging the ornaments, it's still in pretty good shape. Still, you have your doubts that it will last until Christmas. Unfortunately, the tree is only one of your concerns right now. … [Read more...]
How to Avoid Christmas Card Envy
I have yet to get a good picture of my 3 kids together. Ever. And it's not for lack of trying. Every year, I piece together something that resembles a Christmas card and send it along to my friends and family. Soon, my mailbox is bursting with pictures of beautiful children, picturesque vacations, and letters explaining the … [Read more...]