Tips on Surviving the Holidays with a Toddler in Tow

The holidays are a wonderful, festive and very high paced time of year. Everyone is rushing around shopping, decorating, visiting with friends and family and going to holiday parties. So what's a mom to do when she has a toddler in tow who does NOT like all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays? Here are a few tips that will help keep your toddler happy during this hectic and exciting time of year.

First off, a well rested toddler is so much easier to deal with rather than a very tired, grumpy and down right ill toddler. I know all too well how hard it is to deal with a tired toddler and I learned long ago that nothing is more important, when it comes to the holidays, than a toddler who has had their daily nap. Usually by this age a toddler has developed a unique daily schedule and he or she truely counts on that schedule being upheld each and every day. I know it can be difficult to always be at home during naptime but I highly suggest that you find a way to do it as often as humanly possible. Even if it means that you have to go all the way home in the middle of a full day of shopping. Your toddler's naptime can even give you a moment of peace to yourself after dealing with all of your holiday errands. If you are out of town then try to create a sleep area that is as similar to your toddler's own bed at home. Trust me when I say that you will appreciate this tip when you see that beautiful little face all smiling and happy after their nap.

Sometimes food can just slip your mind when you are so very busy with all things holiday related. But your toddler will unhappily remind you of a missed meal right in the most inappropriate moment. If you have a full day of errands to do then it's a good idea to pack snacks and drinks for you and your toddler. Even if you think you will only be gone for a short amount of time it's still a good idea to pack something. Sometimes a one hour trip can turn into an all day affair. You can pack things like juice boxes, dry cereals, finger sandwiches or even one of those packs that kids take to school that have crackers, cheese and ham in them. Anything that is easy to transport and won't spoil is perfect to take along with you on a day outing.

Those holiday parties can be rough on a toddler. There are so many people running in all directions and your toddler probably won't even know most of them. This can be very upsetting to even the most social toddler. To make holiday parties easier on toddlers think about how they are feeling. If they are tored it might be a good time to find them a nice quiet place to rest, even if that means you have to take a break from the festivities to make sure they feel safe enough to fall asleep. It's a good idea to bring your toddler some of their favorite activites to pass the time if they get bored. There is almost always a table at a party so you could set your toddler up a little area to color, draw or play with their favorite puzzle games. If your toddler does not enjoy being around a lot of strangers it may be a good idea to keep your toddler very close to you to ensure that they feel safe in the large group. I know it's hard to keep all curious people from enjoying your toddler's presence but a nice squeeze from mom or dad during these encounters can help a lot. This is also a great time to use a sling. People are less likely to ask to hold your little one if they are tugged snuggly into a sling on your hip and it helps your little one feel safe and secure.

If you are spending all day out and about and your toddler is coming along with you, they can get very bored of the same thing over and over again. I know I put my toddler into a stroller and off we go. Sometimes we can lose track of time when it comes to how long your toddler has been sitting in that stroller. Then we take them out and put them into their carseats. That's a lot of sitting and we all know how uncomfortable it can get to be sitting down all day long. So maybe when you are walking between stores in the mall you could let your toddler walk for a bit. This will help them not feel so confined and uncomfortable all day long. If it's warm enough you could take your toddler to a park for lunch instead of eating it quickly in the car driving to the next store. Anything to let them stretch their legs and get a little exercise.

When your day is over and you are ready to put your toddler to bed, just take a moment and cuddle up with your little guy or gal. These toddler years go by so quickly and during the holidays it can be difficult to remember that we should just step back and enjoy. Just take a minute and peek in on a sleeping toddler and then you will know the meaning of the holidays. It's all about family. Being together and loving one another is the best thing that you can do during the holidays.

Happy Holidays!!!