Thanksgiving and Christmas unite families during meal times, fun and special times. But sometimes, family get-togethers at these times can be stressful for parents. Uninvited parenting tips, pressure to join every gathering, and disputes about kids’ schedules can complicate family time.
Setting rules before the holidays can prevent misunderstandings and help parents enjoy stress-free celebration days
The following are seven holiday boundaries that parents should establish with extended families before Thanksgiving and Christmas.
1. Set Expectations Early
Parents can avoid disputes by sharing their plans before the holidays begin. Whether the discussion is regarding their children’s bedtime routine, preferred diet or holiday vacation destination, their plans should be communicated to everyone.
For instance, parents can inform their relatives about the fact that their children need to stick to their normal bedtime routine even during their holiday trip.
2. Learn to Say No and Be Okay With It
Holiday dinners will soon fill up the family calendar. It is very hard for parents not to participate in all the dinners and celebrations. Nevertheless, they do not necessarily need to accept each and every invitation.
Declining an invitation politely can provide the family time to take some rest and follow their own traditions. It will not mean that parents love their relatives any less than before.
3. Focus on What They Can Control
Parents might not agree with relatives on some parenting practices or boundaries. However, although parents cannot control the reactions of others, they can control their own responses to the disagreements.
Parents can always remain calm and repeat themselves to prevent conflicts. If a family member disagrees with the child’s bedtime, parents can explain why it matters.
4. Introduce New Family Traditions
Some holiday customs may not fit into a family’s schedule, budget or lifestyle anymore. Parents can tell relatives how to participate in the festivities without feeling left out.
For example, rather than having one member of the family prepare dinner, you can all have a potluck. The family can take turns hosting or come up with an affordable activity to do together.
5. Prioritize Self-Care and Personal Time
Most often, parents spend their holiday period taking care of their children, preparing food and organizing family get-togethers. However, parents should take some time for themselves as well.
Taking a walk or having some alone time in the morning during such a gathering can be helpful. Parents can even tell their relatives that they would like some personal space for a while.
6. Set Limits on Unwanted Parenting Advice
Different opinions about parenting can come up at a holiday get-together. Grandparents and other family members could give opinions about TV time, meals, discipline, or sleeping patterns.
Parents can consider family members’ concerns but don’t need to accept all the advice. A straightforward answer explaining that they have found an approach that works for their family could suffice.
7. Agree on Gift-Giving Rules
There are always plenty of gifts during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Giving gifts to children can be enjoyable; however, too many gifts can become messy and a burden for the family.
Parents can discuss the gifts to be exchanged before the Christmas holidays, allocate funds, and choose one important gift along with a few others, including books.
Once the family understands the rules, the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas can become a fun experience for the entire family.
