Sleeping late, relaxing by the fire and sipping mugs of hot chocolate sound idyllic for Christmas vacation. But it’s only about 10 minutes before our kids are ready for action, energized by the hot-chocolate sugar buzz. Here’s how we balanced the fun and freedom of vacation with the keeping of routine and sanity:
• Plan one main activity for each day. A brief holiday outing, a playdate or a Christmas party gives kids something to look forward to, helping them play more creatively and contentedly the rest of the day.
• Keep the bedtime routine. Well-rested 4- to 7-year-olds make every vacation activity more fun.
• Make a want-to-do list. With school out, there’s more time for activities our kids may have been wanting to do, so the list is a quick go-to when boredom strikes.
This article appeared in the December 2012 issue of
Thriving Family magazine. Copyright © 2012 by Janna Jones.
Used by permission. ThrivingFamily.com.