The pressure is on for parents during the holidays. We want to make it magical for our kids, but some of the things moms and dads do may have the opposite effect. Parenting expert Hannah Keeley is sharing the biggest mistakes parents make this time of year so we can try to avoid them.
- Creating unrealistic expectations - If you make a “must-do” Christmas list that’s a mile long, you’re only setting yourself up for disappointment, according to Keeley. Trying to do it all is impossible and those unrealistic expectations can easily become failures. Instead, this expert advises parents to “take it easy and leave plenty of room to relax.”
- Using Christmas as a bribe - Many moms and dads use Santa as a way to encourage kids to “be good or else.” But Keeley warns that “stooping to Santa” turns the focus of Christmas into “selfish gain on the part of your children.” She also encourages parents to love their kids enough to learn how to manage their behavior and teach them self-discipline.
- Becoming a “holiday martyr” - Some moms put everyone else first and wear themselves out trying to make sure their family has the perfect Christmas. But instead of running yourself into the ground, try to find a way to have a relaxed and joyful Christmas that everyone can enjoy, even you, mom.
- Griping like the Grinch - We get it, the holidays can be stressful, but showing that frustration to your kids isn’t the solution. Keeley notes that kids up to the age of nine process information egocentrically, so if there’s a problem, they see themselves as the cause. So try not to vent to your kids so they don’t think whatever’s upsetting you is their fault.
- Neglecting the “give list” - While your kids are creating their “wish” lists, encourage them to also make a “give list.” Help them think of things they’d like to give their friends and family, especially focusing on gifts that use their imagination and creativity, not just money.
Source: NY Post
Scott's Thoughts:
- Your kids won’t care if they do everything you can think of for the holidays, they just want to have fun with you! Well, that and get presents.
- I admit. I overdid it (my then wife shares blame here) for my kids at Christmas when they were littles.
- I wish the holidays could be less about gifts and more about being together.