Challenges of Christmas can make a parent cringe

Destiny Hines, Contributor

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house all the creatures were stirring – because who was I kidding?

As a parent I can’t say this is my favorite time of year. There was a time when decorating for the holidays and buying Christmas presents was exciting. Now I cringe at the thought of Christmas.

Using Christmas as leverage so my children behave is the most exciting part of Christmas now. They are getting older and it doesn’t seem to be working as much anymore. They seem unfazed when I say, “If you continue to behave this way Santa isn’t bringing you anything for Christmas.”

Do I buy them presents anyways because its Christmas? Do I track down someone that sells lumps of coal? Do I buy them things, but only things they need, like socks and underwear?

The children all nestled in their beds, yelling at each other from across the room. Visions of sugar-plums danced in my head,after one to many glasses of wine to keep from screaming with dread.

If you find yourself in my situation with stubborn, and often frustrating, children always do what you feel is best for your children even though, we all know, the struggle is real.

Also keep in mind, during these frustrating times, there are children and families in our own communities who won’t have a Christmas for reasons out of their control. One way to educate your misbehaving child is to have them volunteer with you.

I spoke not a word, but went straight to work, filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, laid my finger aside of my nose, giving a nod, and to bed I went.

Even though my kids can be terrors at times, I’ll probably still play Santa and get them something this year. I, of course, will also be sure to educate them, so they learn from their mistakes.

I don’t think a child that is on “the naughty list” should get very much but I also don’t want to kill the spirit of Christmas for them. They are only this age once.

Best wishes and happy holidays to you and yours!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Destiny Hines is a Journalism Major currently enrolled in the Liberal Arts transfer program at Madison College and a proud parent of two very busy boys. Each issue of The Clarion, Wolfpack Parent column will provide parenting support for our Wolf Pack Parents. To reach Ms. Hines with questions and suggestions for future topics, please email her at [email protected].

 

Resources

Madison College Volunteer Center – (608) 243-4593, https://madisoncollege.edu/volunteer-center.

RISE – (608)250-6634 – Parent Support, Home Visiting, Emergency Child Care

Parental Stress Line – 1-800-632-8188 – Confidential Listening Support for parents 24 hours a day

Dial 211 – available 24/7 if you ever need help with food, shelter, disaster relief, employment or education opportunities, domestic abuse help, support groups, and more!

Recommended by Madison College Counseling Services – Free online mental health screenings, https://www.helpyourselfhelpothers.org/