Hi there!   

Let me guess—you’ve got a holiday checklist a mile long, and your kids’ schedules aren’t looking much better. 

Between activities, family gatherings, and the pressure to “make the holidays special,” it feels like you’re running a marathon, right? 

Hi I’m Lakshmi, you’re neighborhood laid-back parent and the holidays are almost here and trust me I get what you’re feeling. 

The overwhelm is real. Not just for the kids but also YOU. (actually MOSTLY you!) 

And we’re going to talk about how we can reduce stress with simple downtime strategies. Lets goo!! 🚀

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Structured Activities Are Draining Your Kids (and YOU)

Let’s talk about “structured activities.” What does that even mean?

It’s all the things parents pack into their kids’ schedules to keep them productive—extra classes, tutoring, worksheets. 

Don’t get me wrong, these things have their place, but here’s the problem: when you overdo it, it backfires. Kids get exhausted. Parents feel stretched too thin. Nobody wins. 

Did you over-schedule? Understand here! 

My Rule For The Holidays?  

Speaking of reducing structured activities, here’s a bold take: boredom might be exactly what your kids need…

I’ve seen it firsthand with my own children. When I let them relax and just sit around, that’s when the creativity kicks in. My older one loves acting in and making movies. When he has downtime, he writes scripts, gets his friends together, and makes short films. 

Downtime isn’t wasted time—it’s where kids process their thoughts, spark creativity, and find joy. 

So the next time you feel the urge to fill their schedule, I want you to take a step back and ask yourself: Do they really need this, or am I just filling time?

Let your kids be bored, the benefits are going to shock YOU.  

What Works For My Family? 

Sometimes, the simplest traditions are the ones that stick.

For us, it’s watching movies with hot chocolate. It’s having family slumber parties where we all sleep in the same room and stay up late. These moments aren’t pinterest-perfect, but they’re ours, and they work.

Parents share the little traditions that make the holidays feel magical for their kids.

Oh And The Mom Burnout…  

Can we talk about mom burnout for a second? Because it’s real. 

I’ve been there—trying to balance my kids’ different activities, managing holiday meals, getting work done, volunteering at school, buying gifts for everyone (in-laws included), and still trying to keep the house running. It’s exhausting. 

We need to stop doing it all. The holidays aren’t just for kids—they’re for us too.   

12 smart strategies to avoid holiday burnout. 

PS: Learn how to set these healthy boundaries during the holiday season. 

Wow we’re almost at the end of the issue! 

But before we bid adieu check… 👀

Inside the Laid-back Parent’s Internet History this week: 

Note for My Fellow Laid-Back Parents 📧

Repeat after me: I don’t need to do it all. 

Slow down, soak in the little moments, and let the magic happen naturally. Your kids don’t need perfection—they just need you. Here’s to a joyful, calm, and totally doable holiday season. 

You’ve got this! 🩷

Catch you next time, 

Lakshmi (Chief of Chill Parenting)