Dorie Meek is director of the Infant & Family Support Program, provided by Saint John's Health Center in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Meek answers questions concerning children ages birth to 5 years old.
We’re coming up on New Year’s Eve and I’m at a loss (again) for what to do with my toddlers. I have a 2-year old and a 4-year old and they are both very active. Any suggestions?
Party Planner
Dear Planner,
Active toddlers need to dance in the new year just like active adults. My recommendation would be to host a small gathering of children for a New Year’s Eve party. Start with a healthy dinner and then play DJ — clear out the living room and crank the music (“Shrek” soundtracks, Village People, etc.). At your preferred bedtime, gather the children together and drop your own ball of lights (like the NYC ball) with a countdown. Holiday lights wrapped around a soccer ball while you’re standing on the sofa work just fine. Sparkling apple juice in a plastic cocktail glass can be passed out to the older toddlers for a toast to the new year. This is a nice adult touch and lets the children and visiting parents know that the event is over.
If you’re lucky, a grandparent or babysitter can take over and put the children to bed while you and your partner celebrate with the adults a few hours later. This way, you get the best of both worlds. Of course, if the dancing wears you out, an early night isn’t so bad. Your toddlers will be up at the crack of dawn for 2007, no matter what you do, so enjoy.
