Take advantage of every opportunity to read with your children, says Duerr. It is the way they learn to read and value literature. This affords the child needed rest and gives you the time to do the things you need to accomplish without them. It also maintains the normal schedule and that is the best preparation for going back to school and day care. Treat this time as a gift rather than a nuisance, and do things together, says Duerr.
Most communities offer many wonderful activities during the holiday seasons for families.
Take advantage of them as much as possible. Remind children of the good things about returning to work and school, such as seeing friends again or telling teachers about the experience. If we constantly lament the drudgery of returning to classes, the office, teaching, we are showing them that work is merely a chore. Steve Infanti is coordinator of external relations for Penn State University's College of Health and Human Development. All rights reserved.