| Special events should be fun! Here are some ideas to | | | | 6. Pack a change of clothes. This can be either a |
| help the whole family enjoy your next memorable | | | | casual outfit or another dressy outfit. Children spill, |
| occasion. | | | | have accidents, get dirty... you get the idea. If their |
| 1. Let your child help pick out their outfit. If you need | | | | formal outfit is uncomfortable and they do not need |
| to purchase a specific outfit for the event, involve | | | | to be in it during the entire event, then bring |
| your child in the process of choosing the outfit and | | | | something a little more casual. If the event is at night, |
| they will be so excited to wear it come that special | | | | bring jammies and change before the drive home. |
| day. If you are picking from the closet, offer choices | | | | Your child will most likely be exhausted and fall asleep |
| between two shirts or dresses or even something as | | | | in the car! |
| small as the hair clip! | | | | 7. Bring extra supplies. After you pack your bag, go |
| 2. Think ahead about your child's sleep schedule. Plan | | | | back and add an extra diaper, pair of underwear, hair |
| bedtime the night before, wake up time, and the | | | | clip, pair of socks, sippy cup - whatever you think |
| day's nap time according to the event schedule. If | | | | has the potential to get used up, dirty, or lost! It is |
| you need your child to nap early, try getting them to | | | | way better to have too much than to run out. |
| bed early, up early in the morning, and run them | | | | 8. Plan ahead. As much as we would love our children |
| around as much as possible to wear them out for an | | | | to sit quietly and patiently through every special |
| early nap! Enlist family and friends to help. | | | | event, it may not happen. Plan your seat accordingly, |
| 3. Discuss expectations with your child about the | | | | know where the exits and the bathrooms are |
| event. Kids love to know the plan so spell it out in | | | | located, and have a relative or friend prepared to |
| detail with them the night before including what is | | | | assist you if possible. Locate a spot nearby before |
| expected from them in regards to behavior. Make | | | | the event starts where you can take your child |
| sure to let them know if you will not be with them | | | | where you can calm them down or let them run |
| for any portion of the day. | | | | around. |
| 4. Bring snacks. Always keep some of your child's | | | | 9. Keep your cool. Flying off the handle will not help |
| favorite snacks on hand, including something that is a | | | | the situation. If your child's behavior is not meeting |
| very special treat. Save the best one for the | | | | expectations, take them to a private area to sit |
| moment when you most need your child to be quiet | | | | them down and discuss matters. Disciplining them |
| and attentive. | | | | publicly during a special occasion will only make |
| 5. Bring quiet, age appropriate toys and activities. A | | | | everyone feel uncomfortable and may not get the |
| toddler trying to play a DS game in the middle of a | | | | desired results. Let the child know specifically what |
| wedding has the potential for disaster if they get | | | | behavior is not acceptable and explain what the |
| frustrated or accidentally turn up the volume. Have | | | | appropriate behavior should be. |
| your child help you pick out two or three toys or | | | | 10. Have fun! Try to keep the day fun for all |
| activities that can keep them occupied and only bring | | | | members of the family. You will get more out of the |
| them out when appropriate. With my kids we bring | | | | day if you stop and make sure your child is also |
| doodle pros, coloring books, hot wheels, action | | | | having a good time. Be aware of their needs so they |
| figures, books and baby dolls. | | | | can be met and everyone will have a good time. |