Are you ready for a holiday visit?
If you are planning to stay with the relatives this holiday season, take a deep breath and remind yourself why you are putting yourselves through the hassle and expense of traveling during the holiday season. Ditto, if like me, you are hosting the crowd this year. Remember, these gatherings help us and our kids to feel connected when we live so far apart.
Here's my annual TAKING THE KIDS HOLIDAY GUIDE TO SURVIVING THE RELATIVES:
Embrace Imperfection. Who cares if the pie crust burned a little or the centerpiece the kids' designed is a little off kilter. The imperfect moments are the ones that create the most lasting memories.
Bring the Goldfish, Tofu, organic baby food and whatever else your gang can't live without these days. If you're flying, call ahead and either arrange to have the groceries delivered or if you are comfortable, ask your host to pick up what you need at the grocery store and-this is key-offer to pay for the groceries.
Suggest-nicely-that for the kids and picky eaters, sauces should be left on the side and that there are options for those Vegans, Vegetarians and Gluten-frees, among other special dietary needs. Tip: flavored club soda won't stain or give the kids too much sugar.
Bring: a children's cookbook as a hostess gift so the kids can make a dish together. Supply the ingredients and art supplies so they can make centerpieces, place cards and other holiday decorations. Tip: Scrabble or another classic board game also makes a good hostess gift-and one that will amuse everyone.
Bring along your own portable crib or rent one. You don't want to use one that has been in the attic for 20 years and is not up to the latest safety standards. Tip: Stash a crib sheet and the baby's night light in the suitcase. Having their familiar sheet and night light can help them adjust to an unfamiliar environment, pediatricians suggest.
Move the glass figurines, grandma's medicines, cleaning supplies and anything else fragile or potentially dangerous as soon as you arrive if you have toddlers or pets. Tip: if toddlers are coming, make sure you've got all the outlets covered. You'll find more holiday safety tips from Safe Kids Worldwide.
Volunteer to take all the cousins to a movie, playground or nearby museum to get them out of the house-and out of everyone's hair. Tip: Check what special family programs are being offered at local museums, zoos and aquariums. You'll find plenty to choose from.
Set the ground rules for the kids. Little ones especially like to feel useful. Even five year-olds can make their beds, roll up their sleeping bags and pick up their toys. Tip: Take them on a "house tour" with your host when you arrive and go over the rules-no food in the living room, the office computer is off limits, no teasing the dog or letting the cat out.
Keep your mouth shut no matter how atrocious your nephew's behavior or how dry the turkey. Tip: Do not try to discipline anyone else's child. It will only get you in trouble.
Just remember, embrace imperfection and keep smiling.
