This week goes over all the common holiday issues we often face with our kids, including unwanted touch, food, getting gifts, and boundaries!

Overall, let's lower our expectations - our kids are going to be a disaster. Give them (and yourself) grace!

I care more about my relationship with my kids and what they think about me than family members I see a couple times a year.

Kids should be in charge of their own bodies!

If adults get their feelings hurt because a small child doesn't want to hug/kiss them, that says more about that adult than it does about the child. It's not a child's responsibility to make sure the adults around them are comfortable and happy. If you need help with this, try:
1. Develop a plan with your kids beforehand
2. Carry your kids if they're small
3. Keep them close to run interference
4. Respond for them ("she doesn't want a hug right now")
5. Offer an alternative (fist bump/high five)

Do not touch a child who does not want to be touched!

If you're concerned about your kids opening gifts they won't like or not responding in the best way, here are some suggestions:
1. Prep them for gifts and ways they can respond honestly and appropriately
2. Speak for them if they're having a hard time
3. Ask if you can take the gifts and open them at home

If you're giving a gift simply for the reaction and praise/acknowledgement from someone, then that's not really a gift.

A couple thoughts about food:
1. Don't comment on how much or how little they're eating
2. Let them eat everything in whatever order they choose; no dessert only if you eat what's on your plate
3. Use natural consequence and prompt them to listen to their bodies
4. Be prepared for them to only eat rolls

If you feel like you need to set boundaries with family members for the holidays:
1. Understand your boundaries are important and valid
2. Prep family members and what your boundaries are and what your response will be if they're not honored
3. Hold

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