Ideas To Deal With Christmas Stress

It's that time of the year again. Come Yule, and you'll be in a tizzy, harried already with requests that are more like orders from Sergeant I-Want-it-All, like, "Dad, I want my favorite… all my friends have it!" Chances are, the much-feared Christmas stress has already taken root, and is feeding upon your vulnerability. No matter how much you love Christmas, stress and anxiety are the other side of this season of cheer.

Is there a way out?

Yes there is. Dads can beat Christmas stress. All it takes is a little planning, and being proactive. Here are a few simple tips to help you keep unwanted anxiety at bay during Christmas:

Lists: A good old Christmas shopping list is a surefire way to keep a tab on what is necessary and what is unwanted expense.

1. One-stop-shopping: Try to buy all Christmas gifts and presents on a single day, or group your shopping needs according to categories (for example, Toys for Kids, Gifts for Grandparents, Gift for Wifey Dear, Gifts for Near and Dear Ones, Gifts for Not-so-near-and-not-so-Dear Ones, etc.). This way you will cover most items without having to hop from store to store.

2. Time yourself: Allot the time you are likely to spend at a store. This will help you organize your shopping itinerary.

3. No Coffee Please: Avoid caffeine while shopping. It is a little hard to imagine, but do try this one. Caffeine levels add to stress inducing substances within your body, which could only worsen your anxiety levels.

4. Relax: Try simple breathing exercises when waiting-in a line or at a restaurant. Deep breathing helps lower stress related hormones and lets you ease tension.

These are simple things that one often ignores in a hurry. So, go out there, have all the fun this Christmas holiday celebration, and banish stress as just a memory.

Ideal Safe Toys for your Baby

Even at a young age, playing fosters your child's physical and mental development. It is essential however that you provide babies with toys meant for their specific age group. Also, always remember to check that they meet the required safety standards.

These are some ideal toys for your three to six month old child:

• Soft Cuddly Toys: Soft toys such as dolls and teddies are good for babies at this age. It is important that it does not have parts such as sharp wires that can cut through and hurt your child. Similarly, avoid toys with buttons, eyes, or ribbons that can be torn off and swallowed.

• Squeaky Toys: At this age, a baby learns to grasp and feel things. Toys that squeak will encourage your child to squeeze and explore objects in different ways.

• Rattles: At this age, children learn to associate cause and effect of events. Rattles and other toys that they can shake or manipulate to produce different sounds will help them to understand this better.

• Board Books: Reading to a child helps develop your baby's language skills. Children also love to be shown pictures which they associate with the stories. Besides, board books are made to withstand the attentions of younger children.

• Toy Bars: These are bars with different plastic toys that can attach to your baby's stroller or car seat. These can provide endless enjoyment during a stroll or drive.