3 Thanksgiving Survival Tips for Happier Holiday Memories

And so the holiday ride begins...

We all have parts that long for some ideal family holiday - the way we think it should be or the one we wished we'd had when we were young. This ideal is usually in heart-breaking contrast to the reality of our experience. I asked one of my mom’s recently, “What are you most looking forward to about Thanksgiving?” Her answer was, “Surviving it.” I’m pretty sure she’s not alone.

For stress-sensitive kids, social demand is a HUGE stress. Add that to an unpredictable schedule, loss of routine, stressed-out parents, unrealistic expectations, and weird food. It’s no wonder they’re prone to acting out -melting down, bouncing off the walls, defiance, and disrespect. 

Here's today's Quick Tip for a Quick Prenting Win

>>Be your child’s ally!<<

Your child has so little control over what happens to them, like being dragged here and there for holiday plans or knowing how overwhelming "fun" events can feel.

Being your child’s ally can really make a positive difference in how they feel in the midst of this holiday season. As the parent, it means creating an environment that feels safer and less overwhelming for them.

You can do this by focusing on the following three Thanksgiving Survival Tips to help ease their stress (and yours!) and bolster your co-regulation super power.

 1. SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS 

Thanksgiving dinner is not the time to teach your child a life lesson by making them stay at the table while everyone talks and eats for a LOOONG time.

❊ Figure out how long you think your child could realistically stay at the table without becoming disruptive. Then set a timer for ½ that time and let them know that’s how long they need to sit at the table. Be their ally.

❊ Don’t expect your child to try new foods at Thanksgiving dinner. As a matter of fact, don’t even suggest they try any of the foods. Let them pick what goes on their plate or doesn’t. Be their ally.

❊ Make sure you feed them a good breakfast in the morning before you leave (or your guests arrive) and pack appropriate snacks and a favorite video of their choice. Be their ally.

2. KEEP TO THEIR ROUTINE (As best you can)

I know it sucks when you want to keep adulting. However, your child probably can’t handle staying up late without a meltdown or major power struggle.

❊ Be their ally and be prepared to leave the party early. It's better to avoid a meltdown than handling a meltdown while trying to get out the door!

3. SUPPORT THEIR CHOICE WHEN IT COMES TO PHYSICAL TOUCH.

Teaching consent cannot start too young!

The whole holiday situation is already overwhelming. Unwanted touch, like hugging Grandma or kissing Uncle John when they don't want to, can easily trigger a stress reaction, especially in a situation of such sensory overload. Sudden, challenging and baffling behavior can result as the way to communicate their discomfort. Consent matters.

❊ Be their ally when they don’t feel like being touched. 

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Practicing even a few of these tips can go a long way toward reducing disruptions and enjoying smoother family interactions. And these two improvements have the power to foster happier holiday memories.

I am so grateful for you…

(Click the image below for more success strategies to get through the holidays in one piece!)