Although your relatives may be ecstatic over the cheap airplane tickets or cheap vacation packages they purchased to visit you over the holidays, staying sane during their visits can sometimes be challenging.
The following are tips for surviving visiting relatives with children over the holidays:
If young children will be among your visitors, put breakable items out of sight, look into covering electrical outlets, make certain medications are stored high in cabinets, and cleaning supplies are locked up. Baking ingredients such as vanilla and almond extract can be dangerous to young children as can holiday plants such as mistletoe berries and poinsettias.
Make certain you have plenty of apple juice, peanut butter, pasta noodles and whatever else your young guests are eating these days. Keep in mind that kids are often picky eaters and whats important is the conversation around the table and not what is left behind when a meal is over.
Create a kids area in the den or part of the living room and have toys, a TV, and a place for the kids to keep their playthings. Encourage parents to bring along a favorite movie for their kids. Kids staying overnight will be more comfortable if they bring their favorite pillows, blankets and night lights.
Encourage everyone to partake in outside activities. Fewer nerves will be frayed if everyone is not confined to small places. A zoo, ice skating rink, childrens museum or playground could do the trick.
Be clear as to house rules and let kids know if there is to be no food on the couch or teasing the dog.
Remember the holidays are not the time to get bogged down in long running grievances. Emotional baggage should be left at the door. www.cheapfares.com