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Tips to Connect with Your Kids During the Holidays

Father and child building a snowman

Holiday excitement and stress can overwhelm even the best us. The holiday season is supposed to be about family and togetherness, right? Even so, it's often easy to overlook this fundamental fact. Which is why it's so important to take time ​out of the seasonal hustle and bustle to help your family enjoy the real meaning of the holidays.

Here are some tips to help you and your younger children enhance the unique family connection you share this holiday season.

  • Time-In Fun: Tip your child with five- or 10-minute "time-in" activities. You can use a token system to remind you and your child to stop and take a few moments to have fun together during the busy day. Place the token in a jar to see how much time you spend with your child each week.
  • Holiday Goodie Vouchers: Build your child's sense of accomplishment by giving him/her age-appropriate chores, activities and learning tasks. Place one goodie voucher under your child's pillow at night. The reward written on the voucher should cost nothing, such as a promise of time and attention with loved ones.
  • Memory Mosaics: Create a gallery of memories from the past year on your child's bedroom wall or in the family room where everyone can see it. Your child can use photos or drawings to help create positive memories. 
  • Love Notes: Throughout the holiday season, hide a few notes (stickers, cards) of praise in places where your child will find them. 
  • ​Family Tree: Help your child learn about your family and who he/she is by making family tree ornaments each month that can be used as decorations during the holidays.

Remember, no matter what the age of your child, spending extra time and offering extra praise can help you all enjoy a happier, calmer, more familial holiday season.​