Some tips to keep younger children happy over the Holidays. Dr. Prasanna Raman, a pediatrician at UW Health Stoughton and an assistant professor of pediatrics at the UW School of Medicine, says keeping a routine will make a difference. “If you can make sure that the kids get their nap times and get their meals on a at least a fairly regular time . . . at least the kids won’t be as cranky, won’t be as fussy,” says Raman, noting that young children can’t really be expected to understand why the Holidays mean a change in their routines.
As for the other big Holiday issue – candy and other ‘goodies’ – try a little out of sight, out of mind. “Put it in a metal container as opposed to a glass jar.” she advises. “The kids don’t see it and don’t want it as much.” And she says parents need to be reasonable – after all, treats are are “part of the joy of Christmas.”