As a mum of two, I too face the challenges the silly season can bring. With the help of some of our Grove mums in the office, I’ve put together some top tips for navigating the holidays smoothly:

Create traditions
Establishing family traditions can make the holidays more special. Traditions can be as simple as introducing your favourite holiday movie to your children or going for a walk to see the Christmas lights. Whatever you decide to do, make it something that works for your family and is enjoyable. 

Be realistic with your expectations
With young children, things may not go as planned. Be flexible and open to adjustments. Lean into the flow and be prepared to pivot when things don’t turn out as you had expected.

Involve them in preparations
Children love to get involved and be helpful! Including them in tasks such as decorating, helping in the kitchen, or picking presents for family can make them feel more excited about the festivities.

Maintain routines and prioritise sleep
With lots of events and activities to attend, routines can be the first thing to go out the window during the holidays. Late nights, excitement, and days out can lead to overtiredness and meltdowns. Consistency can help them feel secure during the chaos of Christmas.

Plan for downtime or create a safe space
It’s the busiest time of year, so make sure to schedule some downtime for you and your children. Don’t say yes to events that will drain you of your time and energy and take away from this special family time. If events are unavoidable, and become overwhelming, designate a safe, quiet space where children can take a break and decompress.

Encourage giving and teach gratitude
Help your child understand the importance of gratitude. Involving them in charitable activities, such as donating toys or volunteering can teach them the joy of giving and empathy for others.

Manage sugar intake
A big part of end-of-year events is the delicious food and with that – sugar. While treats are part of the holiday season, try to balance out the indulgent foods with healthier options at each meal, where you can. Sugar-induced meltdowns are ones to be avoided at all costs!

Communicate with family
If you’re celebrating with extended family, communicate your child’s needs and routines. Advocate for your child in situations where they may be feeling uncomfortable or overwhelmed. Speaking up will create a supportive and understanding environment for both you and your child.

Capture the moments
Be sure to take plenty of photos and videos to remember the magical moments. These memories will be cherished for years to come.

Relax, be present, and enjoy
Above all else, remember to take a step back and enjoy this special time with your family. Embrace the chaos and cherish every moment. 

Grandparents
If all of the above fails and you’re lucky enough to have grandparents close by, call them up, bring them over and hand the reigns over to them. They are, after all, the seasoned professionals.