Holiday survival tips for parents

Redlander Megan Warren, a qualified teacher who runs courses to help parents and educators, says there are things parents can do to help create a happier and more harmonious home over the holidays.

Here are some of her suggestions:

With school-year-end rush of concerts, party days and awards events, little people can be exhausted by the time the holidays start.

The busy-ness and excitement of Christmas and holiday activities can also tire them out.

Be prepared for tears as a result.

“It’s not rocket science, but when we are tired we are not at our best,” said Ms Warren.

Ms Warren said parents should encourage any creativity during the holiday and try to let children do activities they are passionate about.

“Your child has decided he wants to be an artist? Let him paint all day. An acrobat doing flips on the trampoline? Go for it,” she said.

Having and creating family traditions and spending quality time doing something special as a family or one-on-one with your children is important.

It creates a bond between family members and can help parents to relax too.

“Don’t get caught up with the hustle and bustle of Christmas and go back to work exhausted,” said Ms Warren.

You don’t need much money to go to the park, spend time at the beach, do a science experiment or bake cakes.

“Holidays are a time to break routine, think outside the square and create memories for and with your children,” said Ms Warren.

Use this time to help your children learn something new.

It may be tying shoe laces, doing more chores around the house or even learning how to play a new game.

Ms Warren said the tacky pun “the best present is your presence” is true.

“Put down the phone, switch off the tv, close your book and really invest some time in your kids,” she said.

“It’s not just an old people thing to say, time really does fly and our job right now as parents is to ensure our children look back on these years with happy, loving memories.”