As we look forward to the upcoming holidays we ask how we can include our young children during the celebration of the season.

So many times we parents get caught up in wanting our young children to be included in everything that we and our children get stressed out, tired and sometimes even get sick during the holiday season. The key to planning an enjoyable holiday for your family as well as your young child goes into planning.

In letting children be children we have to consider four basic needs:

rImportance or significance.

rTo feel secure.

rOptimism.

rExploration.

In letting your children feel significant during the holiday season, carefully explain what the holiday is and why we celebrate this holiday.

Young families can embark on creating their own traditions as you include your children in planning how you will celebrate these holidays. This can be with planning if you will have family and friends over; determining whether you make gifts — which young children love to do — or will you buy gifts and how much do you have to spend.  

Ask your children to help you simplify the holiday season. Holiday baking and fun age-appropriate crafts keep young minds and hands busy and happy! Planning in advance will help your young child emotionally.

Parents, try your best to keep your young child on her or his regular routine with meal time, play time, nap time and bedtime. This meets the needs for security.

Let them know what event is coming up next.

When traveling, let them know how much time in small increments it will take to get to their final destination. Also, stop at parks, rest areas and picnic areas to satsify your child’s need for exploration.

Praise them on their patience and good behavior.

Have times over the holiday season where your young child can just play. Remember, play time is a young child’s work. Have their favorite toys on hand!

Adhering to the simple suggestions above can contribute to the optimism and happiness your child experiences during the holidays. Celebrate your young child and cherish him or her each day.

They are a gift of love to you!

Beth Pinyerd lives in Daphne and serves as director of younger children at Faith Family Fellowship in Spanish Fort.

Her column appears regularly in The Bulletin.