Island Parent Magazine Dec-Jan 2023
Vancouver Island’s Parenting Resource for 35 Years • Holiday Gift Guide • Simplifying Your Traditions • 2022 Family Favourites • Holiday Happenings • GRAND: A Special Feature for Grandparents
Vancouver Island’s Parenting Resource for 35 Years • Holiday Gift Guide • Simplifying Your Traditions • 2022 Family Favourites • Holiday Happenings • GRAND: A Special Feature for Grandparents
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FASTFORWARD<br />
Getting Hygge With It<br />
Okay, so it’s pronounced “hooga”—not higgy—and it’s<br />
nothing new (unless you’ve been busy raising kids for<br />
the past few years!), hygge, that state of cozy contentment,<br />
can feel near impossible when it comes to parenting.<br />
Meltdown on aisle four? Not feeling it.<br />
Food flinging across the kitchen and sliding down the wall?<br />
Nope, still no warm and fuzzies.<br />
Three-sailing wait? Can’t say the car is feeling so cozy or<br />
comfortable right about now.<br />
But don’t stress says Iben Sandahl, parenting expert and author<br />
of The Danish Way of <strong>Parent</strong>ing: A Guide to Raising the<br />
Happiest Kids in the World, getting hygge is as easy as lighting<br />
a candle, making some hot chocolate, sitting down with your<br />
kids and giving them your full attention.<br />
At the risk of adding stress to the process, here’s a list of Dos<br />
and Don’ts that Sandahl recommends to help you set the mood:<br />
Don’t say “Now we’re really going to hygge”—there will be<br />
too many expectations that can block the mere presence of it.<br />
Hygge is an intangible concept, something that occurs in the<br />
moment and is therefore difficult to stage.<br />
Do leave personal drama at the door. There are other times<br />
to focus on any problems you may be having. Hygge is about<br />
creating a safe place to relax with your family.<br />
Don’t use iPhones or devices. Turn them off or put them<br />
away. By giving children our full attention, we make the time<br />
afterwards much easier as they are then usually ready to do<br />
something without our interacting.<br />
Do make it a daily/weekly routine. It makes kids feel safe and<br />
they will know that it is associated with something nice and<br />
comfortable.<br />
Do make an effort to create a nice cozy atmosphere. Light<br />
some candles, play a game or bake, for example. Part of the<br />
process is the preparations you do together.<br />
So no matter what you call it—hygge, hibernating or just<br />
plain hanging out at home—here’s to finding comfort and joy<br />
this holiday season with those you love.<br />
Happy Holidays and all the best in <strong>2023</strong>.<br />
Thanks for voting us a Family Favourite Childcare!<br />
Happy Holidays<br />
from the educators at<br />
Lexie’s Little Bears Child Care!<br />
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer<br />
is singing loud for all to hear!” – Elf<br />
lexieslittlebears.ca<br />
Waitlist: 250-590-3603<br />
Programs for Infants/Toddlers/Pre-school Age.<br />
BC Award of Excellence in Childcare & Prime Minister’s Award of Excellence in Early Childhood Education.<br />
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember/<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2023</strong> 5
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