The winter holiday season can be a magical time of year. For many parents, however, it can feel like a long time for kids to be home from school! When routines change over winter break, it can be harder to stick to healthy habits, and both parents and kids may feel the effects on their moods and physical health. Here are a few ideas to help get through this season!<\/p>\n
Holiday celebrations often lead to New Year\u2019s resolutions because it\u2019s easy to let healthy habits slip this time of year. From hot chocolate to cookies, cakes, and candies, holiday parties and family get-togethers are filled with sweet treats for everyone, kids and grown-ups alike. Consider setting goals for healthy habits with your family before the holidays this year, rather than making resolutions after. Some ways you can put those healthy intentions into action:<\/p>\n
Being cooped up in the house gets tiring for parents and kids alike. It can affect both mental and physical health when storms hit and you\u2019re stuck indoors. Try to find outdoor activities that take advantage of winter weather. Making games out of the elements can bring fun to dreary conditions.<\/p>\n
When there is unscheduled time, my kids tend to default to digital devices. As parents, we must make conscious efforts in our \u201cdigital age\u201d to redirect their perceived boredom. Controlling screen time can be as simple as hiding the TV remote, or as advanced as using device parental controls to limit time on apps and devices. This winter break, I hope to stay ahead of the screen time struggle by being present with my kids \u2013 inviting them to play together and take part in holiday traditions like wrapping gifts, cooking, and decorating.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ll be honest, strict bedtimes are hard to stick to over the holidays in our house. We’ll inevitably wake up early at least once for travel, and kids refuse to sleep in when excited about what\u2019s under our Christmas tree. Holiday parties and a lack of routines can also keep everyone up late. But this is one time of year when making family memories feels worth it for us to bend the sleep routine.<\/p>\n
What I do commit to at home is working back towards a regular sleep schedule at least a few days before returning to school. Just as traveling across time zones causes jet lag, staying up late and sleeping in over winter break can make it much harder to get kids up and alert for the first day back to school in January. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n
By focusing on healthy habits, staying active, and being present with our families, we can make the winter holidays a time of true happiness<\/a>, health, and connection at home.<\/p>\n Managing School Holidays and Vacations<\/a><\/p>\n 10 Non-Tech Holiday Gift Ideas to Promote Kids\u2019 Language & Learning<\/a><\/p>\nResources for Parents<\/h3>\n
American Academy of Pediatrics<\/h4>\n