The Family Gathering : A Survival Guide How to help your kids be at their best and have fun , too
By Rachel Ehmke
We know from the songs and movies that holidays are supposed to be an exciting , meaningful time for families to reunite and celebrate the things we cherish . We set aside time to practice both religious rituals and family traditions , we give thanks , and , of course , later on , we give presents . But sometimes holiday gatherings are less magical and more , well , stressful .
The vacation from school and work means a break from routine , something kids and parents alike depend on . Many families travel , facing traffic and long airplane rides , to attend one or more family get-togethers with rarely seen relatives who expect kisses and catching up . And most of these occasions will involve unfamiliar vegetable dishes .
How can anxious or easily frustrated children hope to survive all that ? We ’ ve compiled a list of seasonal tips to help all kids-and parents-enjoy the party . behavior can be a casualty . Always have a conversation before leaving your house about how you expect your children to behave , and don ’ t shy away from specifics .
“ Knowing what the rules are at someone else ’ s house is always helpful for kids ,” says Steven Dickstein , MD , a child and adolescent psychiatrist .
“ They know that you behave differently in church or synagogue than you do on the basketball court ; they need to know what the rules are at grandma ’ s house .” If you have any questions about the house rules , don ’ t be afraid to ask .
Talk to your hosts early
Besides preparing your children , sometimes it ’ s necessary to prepare your relatives so they know what to expect . “ A
Minimize conflict over behavior
Your kids know the rules at your house , but in the excitement and novelty of a relative ’ s home , good
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