Christmas is a time for merry-making and family get-togethers and as the excitement builds towards the big day it is easy to get caught up in festivities. But if you're expecting little visitors this year, it's important to think through the practicalities - especially if you're not used to having little ones around.
Christmas on Female First
DryNites® is working with confident kids coach Naomi Richards to help provide parents with tools to boost their child's confidence and overcome key developmental stages like bedwetting. Together with HUGGIES® Pull-Ups® child psychologist Emma Kenny, they have provided some top tips to help you survive the festive period with kids in tow!
Be cool and collected. "It's a good idea to keep calm, even in the more stressful situations like cooking dinner. If you stay calm you're more likely to have calm kids too." says Emma Kenny.
Go easy on the candy canes. The all too familiar habit at Christmas time is to go overboard on sweets. Avoid that crazy energy rush by monitoring sugar intake during the day - it will certainly make your life easier when it comes to putting them to bed!
Get some fresh air. Yes, it can be tempting to veg out in front of the TV. However, as Emma Kenny says: "Exercise and fresh air is great for kids. If you're worried about potty trainers having little accidents while you're out and about it's a good idea to put them in a pair of HUGGIES® Pull-Ups® so you can rest assured that you won't have any extra washing to do at the end of the day."
Let them help out. Naomi Richards says: "Children love to be involved - things like asking them to help set the table shows that you trust them and you'll see their confidence grow too. After all, who doesn't need an extra pair of little hands!"
Varity is important. Make sure there is lots of choice of food for children on the day - this keeps them interested and gives them a confidence boost when they have to decide for themselves. "By asking children to choose what they want to eat - within reason - you help to build their self-esteem." says Naomi.
Keep them interested. Let children leave the table in between courses so they can go off and play. Not only does this stop them from getting bored, it also means adults have time to themselves. Alternatively, bring family games to the table so that everyone takes part and the little ones feel involved.
Routine, routine, routine. Kids love having a schedule that they can stick to. Naomi says: "Sometimes changing environments such as staying in a new house can trigger things like bed wetting. That's why sticking to their regular routine is so important. If they are used to putting their DryNites® pyjama pants on themselves before bed then let them do their thing, and if you're worried about any night-time accidents it's a good idea to pop a DryNites® bed mat under the sheet - this sticks to the mattress and is a discreet way to ensure there's added protection."
And…relax… If all the Christmas excitement gets too much for their little bodies then allow kids to go to a quiet room to relax. "Excitement can often turn to stress for kids especially when they are away from home and around lots of people. This will also give you much-needed respite from the day's activities." says Naomi.
Sleep tight! Sometimes children can be scared of the dark. Naomi recommends keeping the route to the toilet well-lit at night to ensure easy access to the bathroom for any little ones that want to get up in the night. She says: "It also means you'll sleep well too, as you're less likely to be woken up by a worried child."
Naomi Richards is working with DryNites® to provide parents with helpful tools and advice to boost their child's confidence and overcome challenges such as bedwetting. Emma Kenny is HUGGIES® Pull-Ups® child psychologist.
For more information please visit www.drynites.co.uk and www.pottytraining.co.uk
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