Dads, beat the Christmas Stress!

Just in case you haven't noticed it's that time of the year again. And if you have not already sorted your Christmas purchases out yet, you will be feeling a pinch of stress.

If not coming from your Childrens relentless requests that sound like "I WANT, I WANT, I WANT IT ALL!" than from your wife "What do you think we should get for the kids this year?". Chances are, the Christmas stress has already taken root, and is feeding upon your vulnerability. No matter how much you love Christmas, stress and anxiety are the other side of this season of cheer.

Is there a way out?

Yes there is. Dads can beat Christmas Stress. All it takes is a little planning, and being proactive. Here are a few simple tips to help you keep unwanted stress at bay during Christmas:

Lists: A good old Christmas shopping list is a surefire way to keep a tab on what is necessary and what is unwanted expense.

Make your own Advent Calendar for Kids (2)

Now that we are well and truly in the pre Christmas season here's some more instructions on making your own Advent Calendar for kids. This one is just as simple as the "Icicle Advent Calendar".

What you need:

• a piece of cloth / fabric (you can reuse an old table cloth or similar) approx. 80cm x 30cm (25 x 9 inches)
• two wooden sticks (need to be longer than your fabric is wide)
• piece of cord
• little pieces of colourful fabric (anything will work)
• stick on numbers (1 - 25) or you can simply cut them out yourself (made out of paper or fabric)
• glue

Separation and dads - how are we going to manage Christmas, birthdays and other special occassions?

How are we going to manage Christmas
The Silly Season is a time when we typically enjoy ourselves and not for children to feel torn between two families. If this is the first Christmas since separation remember to think of the needs of your children when making decisions about arrangements over the festive season.

Planning ahead is a good way to prevent any unnecessary conflicts or disagreements. The children will want to know when they will be able to spend time with you, their mum and the rest of the family.

It’s really important to ask your kids what they want to see happen. If at all possible see if you can make this work with your ex partner. The kids will be happy to see that their voices were heard and that you managed to sort it out the way they wanted.

How to make your own advent calendar for kids

Well it's that time of the year again isn't it - only 4 weeks left till Christmas, which means Advent starts on Sunday. In many countries around the globe Advent signifies the start of the Christmas season (or "Advent" which begins four Sundays before Christmas). On Dec 1st some lucky children can start the count down to Christmas by opening a little "door" on their advent calendar each day to get a treat. Advent calendars are a fun way to help children realise how each day they are getting closer to a big event. It can also be used to help with understanding numbers, counting and to build patience.

Most commercial Advent calendars use two layers of cardboard (on on top of each other) with twenty-four small doors cut in the top layer. Each door conceals a picture or little piece of chocolate and has a number on it that corresponds to the days in December.

Decided What the Kids Are Giving You This Christmas?

By now the kids and Santa's helper are giddy with the timeless holiday tradition, trying to figure out what to give Dad. And as the sound of sleigh bells gets closer and closer, they're down to choosing between the plaid or polka-dot battery powered massaging slippers.

Instead of practicing that special Christmas morning look of surprise and delight, why not give and get something that will actually last a lifetime? For youngsters, its hard to beat the fun and memories of making and decorating Christmas cookies with you.

If the thought of rolling pins and green frosting puts you off, don't let it. It's easier than you think, and well worth the trouble. Just ask the kids. And be prepared to be dragged into the kitchen.

Make your own advent Calendar 2010

A couple of years ago we wrote a very popular article about making your own advent calendar (see "How to make your own advent calendar for kids") ... judging by the number of hits this article receives there's still a lot of interest in the topic. So I thought I'll have another look around to see what creative ideas have sprung over the last two years.

1. Online advent calendars are the latest social networking phenomenon (if you believe the guys at one224) - check out their "create your own online advent calendar site www.one224.com.

2. A variation of the advent calendar we wrote about - comes with a nice little video on youtube and foolproof instructions. Halelujah!

Useful Tips To Help Support Your Children Through Their First Christmas As A Separated Family

Dealing with divorce around the holidays is extremely difficult. Throughout the first year after separating, there is a great sense of missing something. Holidays and especially celebrating Christmas after the break up of a family can be traumatic and research shows that safe, continued, contact between children and the family members who no longer live with their kids is important for the children's well-being.

Here are some useful tips to help support your children through the holiday season:

• Try hard to put your children's needs first. Christmas is a time for children to enjoy themselves and have fun, not feel torn between their families.


• Planning, involvement and good communication are the key to the success of Christmas. Children will feel happier if they know what is going to happen in advance.


• Constantly reinforce to your children that you love them and that the separation is not their fault.

Mama is Santa

If you haven't seen this one - check it out.

Enjoy!

-Stef

iPhone Dads - check out the "Appvent Calendar"

Seasonal greetings to all iPhone Dads! Last year we reviewed 25 online advent calendars in the run up to Christmas. This year it's all gone a bit iPhone and some creative gaming company has come up with the "APPVENT CALENDAR". The website reveals a free iPhone game every day till Christmas. Download the game of the day at work and try it out with the kids when you get home.

Enjoy!

-Stef

The Advent Calendar Diaries - Dec 6

Jazz pianist/vocalist Jamie Cullum has started his own 2008 online advent calendar. There's £20,000 worth of prizes to be won and you get to see a short video clip of him announcing the prize of the day. Might be worth checking out to see if you can score one of the prizes!

-Stef