Many of us will enjoy family members visiting for the holidays. Some have company coming but are feeling stressed about the upcoming visit. I have a blended family with five adult children and three grandchildren. We are lucky – our household will be busy – most of our kids will visit over the holidays. This three week period will be action packed and full of fun family time. We will have all three granddaughters with us on Christmas morning!
As you prepare for this holiday season, keep these tips in mind:
- Families have different schedules. Your family may even live in different time zones. My step daughter and her family live in Wales and their time zone is 5 hours earlier than ours. This time change takes a little adjustment. Be flexible, let them adjust as they see fit. Don’t impose your bed time on them – let your family sort it out themselves. It is fine for you to retire to bed at your usual time. Understand they have a different schedule.
- Be flexible. Plan family activities but realize that during this short visit, your family members will have other people they want to see. In blended families, it is important to realize how difficult it can be to see both sets of parents, grandparents and extended family.
- Relieve the pressure by reducing your expectations. Be glad and grateful for the time that you spend with your family. It is great to plan a fun family game night but understand that this activity may not work for everyone. Enjoy those who can participate in your holiday activities.
- Manage Stress if you have a time consuming family tradition, modify it to make it easier for you. Be careful not to over commit during this time. Make sure you have time to relax and read that favorite holiday story.
- Prioritize activities and find balance(PDF). Encourage family members to practice basic health safety tips such as frequent hand washing, food safety and travel suggestions, injury prevention tips and stress management.
- Connect socially. Plan fun activities with your children, partner, and spouse or family members. Spend time together and enjoy the visit.
- Realize that your parenting styles may be different for your children and your stepchildren. Dr. Christine Carter, Greater Good – Berkeley University, shares wonderful insights about parenting step children in her article about being a stepmom. Parenting styles are different for most of us and increasing our awareness of those differences will increase our understanding and provide an opportunity for us to become a better parent.
During this holiday season, I hope you enjoy your family, keep the peace and reflect on your blessings.
Check out this fun YouTube “The 12 Ways to Health Holiday Song” from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
