NANA SAYS USE THE CHRISTMAS BREAK TO REGROUP AS A FAMILY

After the big day and the Holidays are in full swing, it is often a challenge to plan for the children when they are away from school. Chilling at home and playing with the new toys and gadgets may take some creative planning. Families used to the "busyness" of rushing out the door, lessons, eating in a hurry need to regroup and rethink the chilling piece. If your child received some new books, sit and read with him or her. If a new board game was in the mix then actually sit and play it. New skates-go skating! A new sled-go sledding! Skis-go skiing! Even bundling up in warm clothes and frolicking in a new snow-making snow angels, building a snowman! Oh yes, a trip south with all the rushing can occur too! But many people remain at home and parents take time off work due to the Stat days. So parents what do you need for yourself too! Time to read and catch up on your correspondence-no I do not mean a quick tweet but maybe a real phone call or visit with a friend! With all the children at home, maybe sharing playdays so the parents can go out! No I do not mean more shopping although the sales will be plentiful and irresistible! Taking time to slow down and regroup is important for families. Some of my best memories are the chilling days as a child. Lazing around the house in my PJs enjoying my new Christmas gifts until it was time to return to school after the holidays. We focus too much on how busy we are. It becomes too competitive with other parents to try to outdo the number of things and activities we have. " My child has 6 lessons! Well my child has 10 lessons!" Not much has changed from the time my own children were little and in copious lessons. There was competition then too! So maybe be the parent that brags about learning to stop and enjoy the quiet moments and simple activities with their children will be the cool parent. Perhaps more cuddles on the couch. Long talks and walks with the teenagers. Listening not just hearing what is going on in their lives. Perhpas putting away all the cell phones and other gadgets for several hours daily to enjoy the quiet! Remember life is short! The time enjoying the little ones and even the older ones will pass! So can a goal for this break in your schedult help you as a parent to rethink, regroup and just plan enjoy some fun moments whatever they may be with the children and other people in your life. Oh yes, don't forget the children can enjoy some quiet moments with the grandparents too! Merry Christmas! If you celebrate other holidays, Happy Holidays to you!