The end result may not be perfect, but spending time together in fun activities may eliminate misbehavior and punishment. Prepare for possible difficulty. If part of the holidays involves long trips to the homes of relatives, think of various car games the family can play, such as looking for license plates from different states. If you must take young children with you while you shop for the holidays, keep the shopping trip short, and stop shopping when either you or your children become tired. Provide reassuring routines.
Children sometimes misbehave because of stressful changes in their lives.
During the holidays, meals may be delayed, or bedtimes extended so children can spend extra time with relatives or see a special television program. Whenever possible, however, provide children with dependable, reassuring experiences, such as eating family meals together or reading a story at bedtime. It's very difficult for children to quickly switch from a busy, to a quiet, activity. If your children have been actively playing with their cousins all afternoon, don't expect them to come directly to the table and sit quietly through a meal. Provide a transitional activity, such as singing holiday songs or listening to a story.