Christmas top 10 tips for survival

Here to help parents and carers, no problem too small or too big.

Get the family together and write a list of what everyone wants to do – decide what is really important, prioritise.

Make a list of who needs to see who – particularly important with blended families.

Use a calendar –list who is doing what and when. Put it where everyone can see.

Schedule in some time to recharge, chill out, and relax, (everyone).

Make a list of jobs which need to be done, work together to plan who does what.

Don’t try and keep everyone happy all the time - you’ll collapse under the pressure!

If this is your first Christmas as a blended family, your child may feel confused and maybe even angry – make special time together. If it is not, think about last year, what worked, what did not.

Adults don’t have to be with children all the time – make sure children are safe and plan some time for yourself.

Don’t feel pressured into everyone having fun all of the time.

Don’t act in anger – if everything gets too much remove yourself from the situation and perhaps call a friend or relative.

And finally ring Barnardos Parent Helpline if you want someone to talk through your plans.

Barnardos Parent Helpline 0800 4727368

ENDS