PODCAST: Practical Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Season with Small Children
The holidays are coming up, which means parents of babies and toddlers are looking forward to time spent with family, but many are also wary of how they will handle their little ones through all the stresses that come during the holidays.
The holidays are a time for joy and connection, but for many parents, they can also be overwhelming. In the first episode of Endeavor Schools’ Light Bulb Moments podcast, Jana Morgan Herman, Director of Montessori Education at Endeavor Schools, and Gabrielle Holt, an expert in infant-toddler development, explore how families can navigate the season with less stress and more enjoyment.
“Parenting during the holidays doesn’t have to feel like a juggling act,” says Morgan. “With a little preparation and perspective, families can focus on being together without needing a vacation from the vacation.”
Holt, who is a trainer in Endeavor Schools’ Montessori teacher training program, as well as a researcher in children’s education at the University of Texas at Dallas, offers insights into maintaining balance during the holiday season and keeping focus on the bigger, more important picture.
“It’s easy to get caught up in making everything ‘perfect,’ but children don’t need perfection,” she says. “What they value most are simple, meaningful connections.”
Morgan and Holt share these key tips for managing holiday stress:
- Stick to Routines: “Children thrive on predictability, even during busy times,” says Holt. Maintaining regular sleep, meal, and play schedules can help them feel secure.
- Simplify Your Plans: “Overpacking your schedule can lead to burnout for everyone,” advises Morgan. “Be intentional about which events and traditions you participate in.”
- Focus on Connection: “It’s not about having a perfect holiday; it’s about spending quality time together,” explains Holt.
- Model Flexibility: “Embracing imperfections shows kids that it’s okay when things don’t go as planned,” says Morgan.
- Balance Rest and Activity: “Make sure to include downtime so children—and parents—can recharge,” advises Holt.
- Stay Loose and Enjoy Your Time Together: “Sometimes, the best memories come from unexpected moments,” Holt says.
As families prepare for the holidays, this conversation is a timely reminder to prioritize connection and presence over perfection.
Listen to the full episode of the Endeavor Schools Lightbulb Moments Podcast to further explore these tips and more from two of our early childhood education experts.