The majority of Brookline infant and daycare programs include recognition of the holidays in their curriculum, but the season truly comes alive at home. With so much activity during the holidays, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. By prioritizing what needs to be done and including young children in holiday preparations, though, wonderful family traditions are created and memories made.
There are ways for children of any age to participate in holiday preparations. The rule of thumb is to keep it fun and simple.
- Food preparation – Your child can suggest items for your family’s holiday menu as well as help in its preparation. Youngsters can help by sorting ingredients, washing produce, measuring, cutting and mixing ingredients with an adult’s help
- Gift shopping & making – If your celebrations involve exchanging gifts, encourage your child to select items they wish to give others. Children old enough to understand the basics of counting and money can guided to make selections within a specific budget. Kids of any age enjoy making gifts as well, and this is a great way to encourage their creative expression too.
- Decorating – Creating a festive environment is a big part of celebrating the holidays. If your child makes special decorations or holiday artwork in their Brookline daycare program, display them when decorating your home. If your family has special decorations or items used every year during the holidays, invite your children to help unpack these treasures or select places to display them.
Remember, the best holiday memories are those that involve family time.
Tags: Brookline daycare, brookline infant, holiday