Some call the holiday season the most wonderful time of the year, and in so many ways, it truly can be. But Christmas and all the busyness leading up to it can be stressful—and sometimes we forget that means it can be hard on the children, too. That’s why we love this post from Esther’s Childminding on extending a little extra grace to the little people we love so much. We think you will, too!
Be kind to me this Christmas—from a little person’s point of view:
You’ve probably let me eat more sugar than usual. I’m bound to have higher highs and lower lows.
In the holidays I’m out of routine. I can cope better with transitions when I know exactly what’s coming next, so please explain our plans for the day clearly to me.
The anticipation of Christmas can be pretty overwhelming and exhausting. Help me to rest by keeping to my normal bedtimes.
RELATED: The Holidays Are Hard For Kids, Too
Traveling at Christmas is stressful for all of us. When possible, be flexible about when we travel and check the traffic before we leave.
I have no idea about the value of money. If there’s no way I can have that giant LEGO set for Christmas, then please tell me well before Christmas morning.
I’ll have time to get over my disappointment, and I’ll learn to trust your honesty.
Grown-ups find preparing for Christmas stressful. I know you want it to be perfect for me so I’ll have memories I can cherish forever. But I see you getting stressed, sometimes even before you do. I pick up on it and reflect it like a mirror. Please slow down, notice me, talk to me, play with me. That’s what I’ll remember.
RELATED: Your Kids Will Remember How Christmas Felt Not How It Looked
When I lose it—and I probably will at some point—please don’t make me ashamed of my feelings by shouting at me. I never set out to deliberately disappoint you and I didn’t try to ruin your Christmas. I’m really not that calculated. I’m just a little person whose brain deals with stress in different ways than yours.
Please try to understand me, from my point of view.
And when all else fails, wrap your arms around me and hold me so I feel the strength of your love.