Routines are the backbone of a young child’s day, providing structure, predictability, and a sense of security. From morning rituals to bedtime wind-downs, routines help children navigate their world with confidence. But as the holiday season approaches—with its travel, family gatherings, and festivities—keeping those routines intact can feel like an impossible task.
While it’s okay to bend the rules occasionally for special memories, preserving some semblance of routine during the holidays can keep your child grounded and minimize meltdowns. In this blog post, we’ll explore why routines are so essential and how you can adapt them during the busy holiday season.
Why Are Routines Important for Young Children?
Promotes Emotional SecurityPredictable routines give children a sense of control over their environment, helping them feel safe and secure. When they know what’s coming next, they’re less likely to feel overwhelmed or anxious.
Supports Healthy HabitsRoutines help reinforce essential habits like brushing teeth, eating balanced meals, and getting enough sleep—building blocks for long-term well-being.
Encourages IndependenceOver time, consistent routines allow children to anticipate what’s expected of them, helping them develop independence and confidence.
Aids in Emotional RegulationRegular routines help children manage transitions and emotional ups and downs. For example, a bedtime routine signals it’s time to settle down, making sleep easier.
The Holiday Challenge: Maintaining Routines Amidst the Chaos
The holidays are filled with exciting disruptions—travel, late-night celebrations, and staying in unfamiliar environments. While these moments are special, they can also lead to overstimulation, tiredness, and tantrums.
Here are some tips for navigating the season while keeping your child’s routines (and your sanity) intact:
Tips for Keeping Routines During the Holidays
1. Prioritize Core Routines
Focus on the non-negotiables like sleep, meals, and downtime. Even if the timing shifts slightly, ensuring these basics remain consistent will help your child stay regulated.
Example: Stick to a similar bedtime ritual, even if bedtime is later. A familiar sequence of a bath, story, and snuggles can signal it’s time to sleep.
2. Prepare Your Child for Changes
Talk to your child about the upcoming changes in routine, such as traveling or staying in a new place. Use simple language to help them understand what to expect.
Example: “Tomorrow we’ll stay at Grandma’s house. You’ll sleep in a new bed, but we’ll still read your favorite book before bed.”
3. Pack Familiar Comforts
Bring along items that provide comfort and familiarity, such as a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or bedtime book.
These small items can help recreate the feeling of home, even in a different environment.
4. Maintain Mealtime Routines
Try to stick to regular meal and snack times as much as possible. If holiday meals are at odd hours, pack healthy snacks to tide your child over and prevent hunger-induced meltdowns.
Keep hydration in mind as well—travel and excitement can sometimes lead to dehydration.
5. Create Mini-Routines for Travel
Long car rides or flights can be overwhelming. Introduce mini-routines like a snack-and-play break every hour or a winding-down activity before landing.
Use travel-friendly tools like story podcasts or drawing pads to keep your child engaged.
6. Schedule Quiet Time
Build in downtime, even on busy days. Whether it’s a nap, some screen-free quiet play, or a short walk, these moments of calm can help your child reset.
Example: If you’re staying with family, designate a “quiet corner” where your child can relax with a toy or book.
7. Be Flexible but Consistent
While the holidays may require flexibility, try to maintain consistency in how routines are done. For example, if bedtime moves to a later hour, still include familiar elements like brushing teeth and reading a bedtime story.
Flexibility helps you adapt without abandoning structure altogether.
Tips for Post-Holiday Transition
Once the festivities are over, returning to your usual routine can feel like a challenge. Here’s how to make it smoother:
Ease Back Gradually: Give your child time to adjust. Slowly shift mealtimes, nap
times, and bedtimes back to normal over a few days.
Reinforce Rituals: Double down on key routines like bedtime or morning habits to help re-establish structure.
Offer Patience: Transitions take time. Be patient and provide extra reassurance if your child struggles to readjust.
The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and making memories, but they don’t have to come at the cost of your child’s well-being. By prioritizing core routines, preparing for changes, and remaining flexible, you can strike a balance between holiday magic and the stability your child needs.
Remember, even small efforts to maintain routines can have a big impact on your child’s emotional regulation. And when the holiday chaos settles, you’ll have created both cherished memories and a smooth transition back to daily life.
What’s your go-to routine tip for the holidays? Share it in the comments to help other parents navigate the season!
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