Safety
- Don’t let your tree dry out.
- Don’t leave your tree lights on when you aren’t home.
- Don’t overload outlets and extension cords.
- Be sure outdoor lights and power cords are intended for outdoor use.
- Stash guest belongings out of your child’s reach so no one gets into personal pill boxes.
- Hire a sitter if you have lots of toddlers at your large party.
- Make sure gifts are age appropriate and not flagged as dangerous.
- Fireplace embers can stay hot for days so put ashes in an ash bucket.
- Know that other people may not have the same safety practices when you go to visit.
It’s a tough balance to give your child the best gifts you can while instilling a sense of gratitude. Discussing the significance of the holidays in your family leading up to festivities can help. Focus on family traditions like cooking, games, singing and celebrating. This is time you can build traditions to carry you throughout the year. Talk about gratefulness and giving with your children.
It’s important for your children to realize that things cost money. Your family may not be able to afford the latest cell phone technology for the kids. Sometimes Santa leaves notes to redirect unrealistic requests, leaving a hand-selected gift instead.
Listen as Dr. Corinn Cross joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how to enjoy this time with your children safely and happily.
Dr. Corinn Cross was born and raised in New Jersey. She attended Barnard College where she graduated cum laude and majored in philosophy. She went on to attend the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark, NJ, where she was selected for the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. Dr. Cross did her internship and residency in pediatrics at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Cross has continued to work at CHLA as a general pediatrics attending.