Getting Through the Holidays While Building the Environment Our Kids Deserve

Yes, it’s the holidays. Yes, we’re tired. But also, our kids are watching. Listening. Learning. Copying. They’re not just picking up on what we do, but how we respond.

How we handle stress. How we speak to them, to ourselves, to the world around us.

So while I do need real-life, get-through-the-day strategies, I also want to live with intention and awareness.

Because parenting doesn’t pause for summer, and neither does the work of healing, growing, and modelling something better.

Here are some things that help me create a more positive, respectful environment at home, even when things aren’t calm.

Keep it Consistent-ish

Kids thrive on rhythm and knowing what to expect.

Keep your rules and boundaries clear, fair, and predictable as much as you can.

Consistency doesn’t mean strict; it means steady.

Notice the Good Out Loud

Catch them being kind, helpful, brave even if it’s tiny.

“I saw you share with your brother just now. That was really thoughtful.”

Positive behaviour grows when it's recognised, not just expected.

Don’t Expect Grown-Up Logic From Little Humans

Kids mess up. A lot. That’s how they learn. Set expectations based on where they’re at developmentally, not where we wish they were.

Expecting a 4-year-old to handle big emotions perfectly is like expecting a cat to do taxes.

Show It, Don’t Just Say It

Want your child to speak kindly? Speak kindly to yourself when you drop the milk.

Want them to apologise? Let them hear you say “I’m sorry” when you’re short with them. They don’t do what we say, they do what we live.

Make Space for Feelings, Even the Messy Ones

Create space where your child can talk freely, even if it’s clumsy or loud.

Validate, then guide. Sometimes just saying,

“That sounds really hard. Want a cuddle or space?” goes further than a lecture.

Remember, connection before correction.

One-on-One Time, Even 10 Minutes

Real connection doesn’t need hours. It needs intentional moments.

Play a game. Watch their favourite video. Let them lead for a bit.

It reminds them you like them, not just love them.

Make the Home Feel Like a Safe Place

That doesn’t mean quiet and spotless. It means warm and emotionally safe.

Affirmations on the fridge. Their artwork on the wall.

A space where mistakes aren’t punished, but talked through. That’s what sticks.

Teach Skills, Not Just Stop Behaviour

Instead of just “Don’t hit,”

try: “When you’re angry, you can stomp your feet or tell me you need space.”

Kids aren’t born knowing what to do with big feelings and we have to teach it.

Patience Is a Muscle, Stretch It Daily

You’re human. You’re tired. And sometimes, you’ll snap.

But when you pause, take a deep breath (or scream into a pillow), and respond calmly.

That’s power. That’s what they remember.

Get Support If You’re at Your Limit

Sometimes we need more than Instagram quotes and deep breathing.

If you’re struggling, there’s no shame in getting help.

Therapy, support groups, or trusted professionals. You deserve support, too.

Build the home you needed as a child and give it to them now.

Thank you for reading.

Want to share your story or thoughts?

I’d love to hear from you:

→ DM me on Instagram: @silvia.london89

→ Or email me: thepracticalparent1@gmail.com

You’re never alone in this.

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