Holiday Parenting: 4 things to remember To Keep Your Sanity Intact

Ah, the holidays – a time for family gatherings, festive cheer, and, well, the occasional meltdown. We've all been there: your child decides to stage a grand performance in the middle of a crowded holiday party, complete with a soundtrack of ear-piercing cries. Cue the stares, unsolicited advice, and your inner parenting turmoil.

But wait, before you hit the panic button or resort to those parental knee-jerk reactions, remember not to parent to please others. Here are four holiday-inspired tips to help you keep your parenting compass on track, even in the midst of the festivities.

1. Revel in Your Impermanence

While it's lovely to be considerate of others, especially during the holiday season, here's a liberating thought: most of the folks you encounter won't be part of your long-term journey. In other words, you're unlikely to see them again. So, when your child decides to channel their inner drama king or queen while shopping, stay true to your parenting principles. Don't exchange your child's well-being for the fleeting opinions of strangers.

2. Remember: They Don't Know Your Story

Few people have the complete picture of your child or the situation they're in. Just like our friends with an autistic son who received an abundance of well-meaning but unhelpful advice, you might encounter similar situations during the holidays. When it comes to unsolicited advice from holiday guests, it's perfectly okay to let it slide into the abyss of forgetfulness.

"Thanks for your suggestion; we'll keep it in mind."

3. Save Explanations for the Right Audience

Sometimes, a consistent parenting approach is essential, especially in areas like bedtime routines or screen time. However, you don't need to explain every detail of your parenting choices to everyone you meet during the holidays. If your child doesn’t have a phone, you don't need to explain it to the parent whose child does. Save your valuable explanations for those who genuinely need them, like childcare providers or teachers.

"We've found it works well for our family."

4. Take a Breather When You Need It

Holiday parenting challenges can strike when you least expect them. Whether it's nosy relatives, well-meaning friends, or curious strangers, the pressure to react instantly can be overwhelming. Remember, it's okay to take a moment, breathe, and assess the situation. Sometimes, a little reflection time can lead to a wiser parenting response.

So, as you navigate the holiday parenting maze, remember to do what is best for your kid regardless of who's watching. After all, the holidays are a time for love, joy, and cherished memories with your family – not a contest for the approval of others.