Here are some helpful tips from the Amador County Child Abuse Prevention Council to reduce stressful situations for you and the children in your care: Establish predictable routines. Be sure to eat regular meals, get enough sleep and plan rest times; Explain the day’s Activities to children so they know what is happening; Prepare snacks to take along for hectic days and long shopping line; Slow Down – reduce the number of planned activities to avoid that constant feeling of rushing everywhere; Allow time to Play and Move - shopping is boring to children, they need time to work-off their endless energy; Be a good example by planning quiet time for yourself; Use humor in difficult situations and remember to Breathe! ; Express Positive appreciation to elicite cooperative behavior - use lots of Hugs!!; Expecting Guests? This is a change to the normal routine, so let children know and help share in plans to make guests comfortable. Put away breakable and “special things” to remove potential anxiety; and most importantly, Have Fun - don’t forget the season is about family, sharing and gratitude.