Editorial - Four quick tips for a less-frazzled holiday season
Sometimes the simplest advice is the best. We received a short and sweet e-mail from the West Central Initiative that delivered just that. It carried the heading, “Our holiday advice to parents with young children: Make it easy on yourself – and them!”
Sometimes the simplest advice is the best.
We received a short and sweet e-mail from the West Central Initiative that delivered just that. It carried the heading, “Our holiday advice to parents with young children: Make it easy on yourself – and them!”
Nancy Jost, early-childhood coordinator with WCI, noted that the holidays are here and many of us feel inclined to make this time of the year as special as we can for our children. However, all those "special" activities, presents and treats are more likely to cause meltdowns for parents and young children alike instead of the wonder and joy parents hope for, Jost said.
WCI’s advice is for parents to take advantage of the fact that babies and toddlers are too little to have any expectations of what the “perfect” holiday should look like. The organization cited the following holiday options recommended by Psychiatrist Heather Wittenberg, known as Dr. Heather the Baby Shrink:
• Fewer presents – more thoughtfully written (and decorated) cards.
• Fewer “junk” holiday treats – more time cooking real meals together.
• Less money spent on toys – more time volunteering for those in need.
• Fewer holiday parties – more family “cocooning” time.
“Admiring decorations, singing songs and extra time with family are all it takes to make a great holiday for a young child – and make it easier on us, too,” Dr. Heather said.
One way to look at it: Spending time together as a family looking at Christmas displays is a better “gift” to share than battling the holiday shopping crowds searching for gifts that will strain your patience and budget. And about the lights: Remember, the Echo Press is asking readers to send us their suggestions for the best holiday decorations. Send the location – exact address, if possible – and a brief description our way. E-mail aedenloff@echopress.com, mail it to Echo Press, P.O. Box 549, comment on our Facebook page, fax to (320) 763-3258 or drop it off at our office at 225 7th Avenue East.
WCI wrapped up its Christmas e-mail by wishing residents a simpler, saner, wonder- and joy-filled holiday season.
Ditto.
Tags: opinion, editorials
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