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I actually really focus on keeping things normal during this time of year. I've noticed friends inviting us to events during nap time, and they're ok with skipping nap "just the one time".

For us, our kid is a notoriously bad sleeper, and her behavior is tightly connected to the amount she sleeps, sugar she eats, and overall being overstimulated.

I'm in the camp of saying no to things (or leaving) when I can tell LO is having a hard time. I also look at the holidays as a special time for my little family, and try to not plan too much with other people.

Well, I am a push over most of the time anyway but I don't think I change around the holidays or even when our families are around. I will testify that DD misbehaves more often and doesn't listen as well when family is around and she'll be harder at bedtime/naptime when family is visiting. So I feel like I actually have to "reprimand" her more often but it's bc she's acting out/pushing her limits in front of them. So we are just attempting to get her to behave as normal... not put on some front. When it's just us she's more easy going. So it almost sounds like we are the opposite. We end up reprimanding more as opposed to giving in more.

Mind you the grandparents often think we should give in.... and we are being too tough on her. But just bc they are visiting doesn't mean she can skip brushing her teeth or stay up until 10 pm!

@raspberries: Same! I'd say mainly about the eating part and especially sweets.

I'm more lenient in terms of bed time, special treats, etc. There are a lot of magical things about the holidays that don't "fit" into the typical schedule of having a 4 year old and a 1 year old. I'm willing to make room for those things because they bring joy to my family. That being said, I am NOT more lenient on listening to parents and being respectful, etc. Behavior is expected to be the same.

I'm in TN so the Bobby Bones show is big here but I actually can't stand him. His entire personality is one big humblebrag. I have a few friends who know him through other friends and say that's exactly how he is in person too. Also, none of them are parents... so they have no basis for this conversation.

We always travel over the holidays, so I'm a lot more forgiving in general. It's not the kids' faults we're suddenly surrounded by more people and they aren't in their typical house.

I do try to keep their sleep schedules close to normal. But I don't worry as much about their food. At home, I'm anti snack and pro 3-square-meals and 3 veg and fruit a day. When we are traveling, I'm just happy to get them to eat since they are so distracted with cousins around.

My 3 year old is definitely already getting more treats than usual, including a chocolate from her advent calendar every day, occasionally at breakfast. Otherwise not to much. She tends to behave better when everyone is around because it's more attention on her, and she acts out to get attention, so this way she doesn't have to. But then when everyone leaves or it's time for bed she behaves worse. I yell less in front of other people but that's probably a good thing...

And meals- I let her have bigger healthy snacks before meals even though I know it might spoil her appetite. But I also know she probably won't eat much of the regular meal so I'd rather her fill up on cheese sticks before dinner than cranberry sauce and rolls during dinner.

Not really - just a bit more giving with the treats esp since M's bday falls between Thanksgiving and Xmas.

Yeah, I think it happens sometimes when other people are around where I'm more likely to give than to have a fight. Sometimes it can feel like my parenting methods are on display when I don't give into things and it becomes a big deal.

That's weird, rivalry... definitely not into that and no, we don't parent differently. I'm obviously a free sprit, or a renegade you could say quite frankly I don't give a damn and I feel good about my parenting. (Which is always a work in progress.)

I act the same whether it's the Holidays or not.

I find I let a few things go around the holidays (less emphasis on strict nap times, healthy well balanced meals, lol) because I figure it's just one day every once in awhile and we have time to recoup afterward. As far as behaviour goes, DH and I are super consistent with our parenting, and our daughter is so well behaved (21 months) that I don't find that I have to change much.

Nope...but I probably would if it made any sense. LO is 2 and can be counted on to completely fall apart if we push bedtime even 20 minutes later than usual. She's also not really into sweets (no idea where she gets that!) so even if more treats are offered she's not likely to actually eat them. Weirdly, DH is looking forward to her getting a little older in hopes that he can "spoil" her a bit more with holiday fun!