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Baby's First Holidays

Making Them Memorable and Stress Free

By Gina Roberts-Grey, LCSW

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5

Your baby's initial year is filled with countless "firsts." From his first smile to his first trip to the store, you commemorate every event and enter them in his journal to record his development and growth. A baby's first holiday season can also be filled with amazing changes for you and your family. Socially, physically and emotionally, everything about this holiday season will be drastically different from last year.

Many parents aren't prepared for the stress, pressures and emotions of their child's first holiday season. First-time parents wonder how to temper their enthusiastic shopping with practicality, and seasoned parents try to balance attention fairly among their children to ensure everyone has a memorable holiday. In addition, you may face a barrage of questions from family members wanting to know what gift to get your baby. At the same time, you may wonder how to acknowledge everyone in your baby's life.

Family therapist Amy Klein of Woodland Hills, Calif., helps families cope with the overwhelming pressures of a typical routine of baking, shopping for holiday gifts and preparing for a baby's first holiday season. She reassures parents that a memorable first holiday season does not have to be a daunting task. "I guide parents to focus on the joy of their family rather than the pressure of trying to emulate picture perfect stereotypes," says Klein.

Klein recommends enjoying the holidays as a family by incorporating some creative options that not only alleviate stress but also elevate your holiday spirit. "Looking at this time of year as memorable instead of stressful is the first step to lowering your stress," she says.

Klein also emphasizes that magnificent memories don't have to be elaborate or expensive. "Activities like reading a favorite family book together or walking in the newly fallen snow create beautiful memories geared around your new and growing family," she says.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5

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