Guidance that fosters gratitude and joy and works beautifully for children with siblings too.
Parents of only children often face unique challenges during the holidays, especially when it comes to a child’s sense of entitlement. The following suggestions are drawn from one-child parents’ experiences and strategies, offering practical ways to enjoy celebrations at the same time you build holiday traditions.
With just one child, it can be tempting to indulge most requests—be it the latest trendy toy or gadget for the young set or concert tickets for a teen. Many parents of only children tend to have more resources to spend, making restraint particularly challenging. Nevertheless, moderation and thoughtful boundaries are essential to ensure that the holidays remain festive yet peaceful for everyone.
10-Point Holiday Tip Sheet
These actionable suggestions from experienced only child parents can benefit any family but are especially helpful in small families where the only child may naturally become the center of attention. Each is designed to promote calm and the true spirit of the holidays, helping both parents and children create cherished memories.
- Be Inclusive:
Invite friends, cousins, aunts, and uncles to your holiday gatherings. Consider joining with other families to help diffuse the spotlight from your only child.
- Show Restraint in Gift-Giving:
Encourage those who give your child gifts to keep them modest or consult you about their choices. This habit helps prevent competition among relatives and sets a healthy precedent.
- Less Is More:
Limit the number of gifts and toys. Research shows that children with fewer toys play in more creative and sustained ways, supporting deeper cognitive development.
- Support Less Fortunate Families:
Involve your child in donating toys, clothes, or household items they no longer use. Model generosity by participating yourself and making charitable giving a family affair.
- Don’t Overschedule:
Limit activities to one per day to avoid burnout and meltdowns from being overtired or overexcited.
- Set Guidelines:
Clearly communicate your expectations for behavior at holiday outings and parties. For instance, announce when it will be time to leave and remind your child as that time gets closer.
- Emphasize Helping:
Enlist your child’s help in decorating, setting the table, preparing food, and cleaning up, as appropriate for their age be they at home or visiting.
- Politeness Counts:
Encourage the use of “please” and “thank you.” Practice kind language in advance of the holiday season and keep it going long after the decorations are stored away.
- Underscore Being Thankful:
Make gratitude a nightly habit during the holidays and beyond. Ask your child what they are thankful for and what made them happy that day.
- Build Traditions and Memories:
Recognize that every holiday experience contributes to the traditions and memories your family will cherish for years to come—generating many Little Things Long Remembered.
No matter your family size, these insights from parents of only children will help you cultivate kindness and lasting memories. With thoughtful planning and mindful limits, parents can avoid the pitfalls of giving in to every “I want” and spend happy, meaningful time together.
If you need help saying NO or setting boundaries with your child (or parents or other relatives), check out The Book of No: 365 Ways to Say it and Mean it―and Stop People-Pleasing Forever