In this episode,I discuss how to navigate the holiday season with children by rethinking traditional narratives around Santa and the elf, empowering kids through body boundaries, and shifting perspectives on behavior and rewards. I emphasize the importance of creating a joyful and safe environment for children during the holidays, encouraging parents to focus on connection and emotional well-being rather than behavior-based threats.

Takeaways

• Rethink the traditional narrative of Santa and the elf.
• Empower children to trust their body boundaries.
• Behavior is a form of communication, not a moral judgment.
• Create a safe and joyful holiday environment for kids.
• Offer children choices to reinforce their agency.
• Focus on connection and emotional regulation during the holidays.
• Remove behavior-based threats associated with Santa.
• Encourage small, meaningful family traditions.
• Recognize that holidays can be overwhelming for sensitive children.
• Start small with new approaches to holiday traditions.

KeywordsSanta, holidays, parenting, emotional regulation, body boundaries, behavior management, family traditions, child development, holiday joy, connection

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