Happy Thanksgiving from The Doc Smitty

As a dad of young kids, I won’t be thankful for some things this week…

I won’t be thankful that I can’t sleep in due to my 3-year-old alarm clock.

I will be thankful for extended breakfast with that 3 year old and big smiles for the blueberry bagel.

I won’t be thankful for traveling in a car with 3 children (under 5) who won’t sleep by my plans.

I will be thankful that when we get there they will be with family that loves them (and for the human hurdle):

I won’t be thankful for battles over eating new and different foods.

I will be thankful for three healthy children whose business and spunkiness brighten every day.

How can you survive this week?

• Be flexible.
• Allow a little extra screen time.
• Don’t stress if they don’t eat all their food.
• Remember that a few days off their nap schedule won’t ruin their chances at Harvard.
• What are you thankful for this week?

Parenting presents many challenges and sometimes it takes a little extra effort to remember those things that we can be thankful for.

Start with some simple things…

• Health - If you child is healthy, start with that. If your child is sick this holiday season, we pray for quick healing.
• Time - Extra time sometimes means extra conflict. Your kids don’t want perfection, they want you present, so just be present.
• Fun - With added stress due to family visits, it’s easy to lose the fun for your kids. Plan an activity for them, play a game or start in impromptu dance party.

About the author

Justin Smith, M.D., is a Cook Children's pediatrician in Lewisville . He attended University of Texas, Southwestern Medical School and did his pediatric training at Baylor College of Medicine. He joins Cook Children's after practicing in his hometown of Abilene for four years. He has a particular interest in development, behavior and care for children struggling with obesity. In his spare time, he enjoys playing with his 3 young children, exercising, reading and writing about parenting and pediatric health issues.