While the holiday season is typically associated with joy, cheer, and family gatherings, the focus on family can also be overwhelming, especially for new parents. The idea of getting together with family and friends can be exciting, but also nerve wrecking. Thoughts such as "How will our baby react to meeting so many people?", "What if someone is sick?", or "How will we handle everyone's opinions on our parenting choices?" might go racing through your minds. Maybe you are also feeling the weight others' expectations. The best way to deal with this dilema is to set boundaries!
For those who are natural people-pleasers, setting boundaries might seem like a daunting task. However, I am here to tell you that boundaries are SO important, and best for you and your family. You can set boundaries while maintaining healthy relationships! Remember, boundaries are not about restricting others, but rather about establishing what works best for yourself and your family. You do not need to feel guilty if you have to say "no" to some things this holiday season. Saying "no" is simply a means of respecting your own family's time, energy, and well-being.
Circumstances change, and people and priorities are allowed to change too. If this is your first holiday season as parents, then you have gone through a lot of transformation since last year! I want to encourage you that it's perfectly acceptable if your holiday traditions need to evolve. Whether it's deciding not to travel, showing up to gatherings on your terms, or setting specific rules for your child's well-being, change is a natural and empowering part of the holiday experience.
As parents, our number one priority is our children. It's entirely reasonable to set boundaries that align with their well-being. Whether it's limiting exposure to large crowds, controlling the pace of social interactions, or wearing the baby to communicate preferences, these boundaries are a testament to a parent's commitment to their child's comfort and security. Boundaries may look like opting out of certain events, or asking that nobody kiss the baby, and as parents, we cannot worry what others think about our rules of engagement. We are doing what we believe is best for our little ones, and that's all that matters. Everyone else can either respect the established boundaries or miss out on the joy of being part of the family's holiday celebrations. The choice is on them, not on you!
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