The holidays can be such an exciting time for kid and an extremely stressful time for parents. Being out of a normal routine and attending holiday events with less familiar extended family can sometimes cause feelings of anxiety, especially if you're entering situations with relatives that may live their life differently than you. 

Kate Roush, an assistant clinical professor from the College of Social Work at Ohio State University, recommends parents talk with their family and friends before holiday events to set expectations and boundaries. 

“For example, it may be OK in your house if your kid is running or if they climb on the furniture,” Roush said. “Parents often have a lot of tolerance for kiddo behaviors. That may not be okay at Grandma's house. And if so, that's okay. Kids can be resilient. They can learn different rules for different situations, but we need to know that in advance so we can prepare them.”

She said don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and your child, especially as we head into cold, flu and COVID season. 

Here’s what she said to do if you’re nervous about setting boundaries or expectations with family.

“The best way to do that is really just to explain to families that you're trying to teach your child about boundaries and safety and that their body is theirs and it's OK to say no,” Roush said. “So just explaining it's something you're really working with kiddo on is that people should be asking before they touch your child and that it's OK for them to say no, they don't want to hug. No, they don't want to be picked up. No, they don't want to be tickled. And that you would ask that they respect that if there is a no given and that it's no indicator that your child doesn't love that relative, they just may not feel like a tickle or a hug at that time and that's okay.”

She said up-front communication is key to having a good time and eliminating awkward moments.