7 Holiday “Dangers” That Aren’t Dangerous

In this holiday-themed episode, Matt and Charla take a lighthearted look at the “dangers” parents often worry about during the holiday season. Through humorous and relatable stories, they explore how letting go of perfection and allowing children to make small mistakes can help families enjoy a more relaxed, joyful holiday together.

Key Topics Covered:

– Letting Kids Learn Through Natural Consequences:  Charla shares her philosophy of letting her kids experience minor discomforts—like burning their mouths on hot drinks. By allowing these small mistakes, kids learn to heed warnings and practice self-control. This sets the stage for understanding the natural consequences of their actions without micromanagement.

– The Magic of Messy Cookie Baking:  Matt and Charla discuss the joys of holiday baking and why parents should let go of the fear of mess or failure. Allowing kids to mix ingredients, use the oven, and make mistakes (like adding salt instead of sugar) fosters creativity, confidence, and family bonding. It’s not about creating picture-perfect cookies; it’s about creating memories.

– Peeking at Presents—A Lesson in Patience:  Charla shares a childhood story of sneaking a peek at her gifts, only to realize it stole the joy of Christmas morning. She and Matt reflect on how these experiences can teach kids about the value of patience and delayed gratification, key life lessons that go far beyond the holidays.

– Giving Kids Big Responsibilities, Even if They Mess Up:  Whether it’s letting children wrap presents (even if they’re not perfectly done) or bake cookies (even if they look like a mess), Matt and Charla emphasize the importance of empowering kids. By allowing children to take on big tasks, parents give them the confidence to succeed—or learn from their mistakes—while creating cherished family moments.

– Relaxing and Enjoying Holiday Moments:  Charla reminds listeners that the holidays are fleeting, and it’s important to prioritize the joy of spending time with your family over stressing about the small stuff. By choosing not to micromanage, parents can cultivate a more relaxed atmosphere that allows everyone to enjoy the season’s magic.

Call to Action:

1. 
   
2. Consider these questions in your family: – How can we give our kids a chance to try new things and let them make mistakes during the holidays?  How do we balance creating a magical holiday experience with letting kids take on responsibilities?  What are some family new traditions that you could start to encourage bonding without being too rigid or perfect?
   
3. Download the Printable Guide: Check out the full list of “holiday dangers” that Matt and Charla didn’t get to cover in this episode by visiting the blog. These lighthearted “dangers” will remind you to relax and focus on the joy of family time this holiday season.
   
4. Join the Discussion: Share your holiday traditions and experiences with letting kids take on more responsibility during this busy season. You can find us on our social media channels or comment here.
   

Connect With Us:

– Read more about this topic and other discussions on Charla’s blog: [https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog)

– Subscribe to the weekly email with links to our podcast and blog: [https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1)

– Learn more about our unique products designed to enhance your children’s understanding of real-world money management: [https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/)