How can I keep my son focused with all the holiday fuss?

With so many unexpected changes in routine and over-stimulation, keeping your son focused during the “hustle and bustle” of the holiday season can be challenging. One way to keep him focused is to keep to your daily routine as much as possible. Children thrive on structure and predictability, so while it is necessary to be somewhat flexible to accommodate holiday parties, traditions and family visits, it is important to stick as close as you can to your son’s routine. Make sure that he gets plenty of sleep, and set aside some downtime each day to relax, read, or play a game together as a family. By keeping the focus on spending quality time together, you can have a fuss-free, fun-filled holiday season!

Jennie Ito, Ph.D.

Child Development Expert

Jennie Ito is a mother of two and a child development consultant who specializes in children’s play and toys. Before becoming a consultant for LeapFrog, she was an intern at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, and later worked as a content expert for the Association of Children’s Museum’s “Playing for Keeps” Play Initiative. Jennie earned her doctorate degree in developmental psychology at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada.