Has your three year old ever had a melt down during Easter dinner? Here are some tips to help prevent holiday tantrums.
With Easter just a few weeks away, I’ve been working on finding things to fill the Easter baskets of my three children. Since I’m a firm believer that diet affects a kid’s behavior, I’ve been trying to find candy and treats that are not made with artificial colors and flavors. This is no easy task, but I have managed to find some candy that is okay. And, I intend to fill in the Easter basket with some non-food treats as well.
Diet is just one aspect of holidays that can affect a child’s behavior. Children are notoriously difficult on holidays. In addition to unhealthy treats, they are also over stimulated, short on sleep and out of their normal routine.
I’ve been through too many holiday tantrums with my children to take it lightly. These are the things I have learned that I need to do to keep things calm on holidays.
- Serve a healthy breakfast with a source of protein. Provide healthy snacks throughout the day.
- Stick to sleep schedules, including naps if they are a part of the regular routine.
- Don’t visit too many different homes in one day. My husband and I decide which relative we will visit on a particular holiday and spend the day there. Traveling from one set of grandparents to another is stressful and tiring for small children.
- Find a quiet place for some down time. I spend some time reading a story or just snuggling with my children.
Once we stuck to these guidelines on holidays, things seemed less chaotic and more enjoyable for everyone, including the children.
For ideas for non-food Easter basket treats read Alternative Easter Baskets.
