Happy Holidays!

If you celebrate a December holiday, chances are your kids are becoming quite excited and energetic right about now. This is a perfect time to impress your friends and family using your Nurtured Heart strategies that we reviewed during November.

First of all, take a step back during those moments and, as the toll booth man, allow yourself to cherish their childlike enthusiasm. Would that we all could experience that unbridled joy.

But, we all know that good things also create stress. It is easy to forget this point and feel perplexed when our children exhibit signs of stress during the holidays. Whatever stress you are feeling they are feeling - without the coping mechanisms to deal with it that we, as adults, have picked up along the way.

If a situation is challenging try to determine which of the four basic human needs (power, freedom, fun, belonging) your children are striving to meet through their actions. Once you determine that, you can find creative ways to meet that need in ways that you feel are more appropriate.

During the hectic holiday pace, remember to be the Horse Whisperer: hijack your kids into success by maintaining some balance in their schedules. Kids thrive when they have predictability, adequate sleep, regular meals and healthy nutrition.

With all of the excitement, children often become over stimulated at the same time that they are fatigued from irregular schedules, less sleep and more activity. Just as in training Shamu, it may be necessary to adjust your expectations (lower the rope) for your children during this season. Often finding just a quiet moment to spend with your children giving them your time (relationship) while doing something together can be very soothing to them.

This is a busy, exciting time for parents as well. You may have the stress of hosting the entire extended family in your home, or packing to take the holiday "on the road". All this - while still keeping up with your normal busy lives. Keep in mind that children absorb their parents' emotions. Try to keep "toys r us" in the gift boxes. If you find yourself stressed and at the end of your rope, give yourself the gift of a little space.

Kids love the presents of course, but remember that the greatest gift you can give your children is your relationship with them. We wish all of you a warm and loving holiday.