Back to Normal After The Holidays

Sigh… Holidays are over, and real life returns. ⁠
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The fun, the family, the presents, the late nights, and memories…. And… the tantrums, over-sugared, over-stimulated children that are STILL flying high.⁠
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You might be asking - Is it even possible to return to a normal routine? ⁠
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The good news? YES. It’s totally possible.⁠
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The bad news? It’s likely not going to happen without a bit of protest from your children.⁠
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Here are some easy steps to follow to get back on track:⁠
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1. Sit down and make a list of troubling behaviours.⁠
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2. Decide on what your limits actually are that will fix the problem behaviours (e.g. no popsicles, bedtime at 7:30, sitting through dinner, etc.)⁠
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3. Make a plan of action and then let your kids know what the new (old) rules are, and that things are changing to help them get back to a healthier lifestyle.⁠
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Option 1 - Rip Off the Bandaid Method - Bring all the rules back on track at ⁠the same time. Major protest, short time.⁠
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Option 2 - Slow Rip Method - Pick one rule, reinforce it for a few days until⁠ it’s back to normal, then move to the next rule. Minor protest, longer time.⁠
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4. Most importantly: BE CONSISTENT & DON’T FOLD. If you say there’s a new rule, and then you let your child whine for 40 minutes and THEN you fold, what you have taught them is that IF they whine for 40 minutes, they get what they want. Don’t want that? Don’t fold. ⁠
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Good luck!!!⁠
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What rules did you slip away from over the holidays? ⁠