CHRISTMAS is a wonderful time a time for loving and giving - a time for families to come together.

The pressure to have a good time and enjoy each other's company, although it can put a huge strain on families.

Planning for the big day and the days leading up to and after Christmas Day is essential in order to maintain harmony in the home.

Little ones will be worked up with the excitement of Father Christmas arriving and they may feel tired after all the celebrations they have taken part in at nursery and school. Try to allow for extra 'down time' once nursery and school have finished.

As this is a high risk time for misbehaviour and fallouts give some thought to how you would like the Christmas period to go. Speak to your children and involve them with the preparations, as well as how you expect them to behave when you have visitors.

Children love to be part of the team. When visitors arrive give them each a job to do - ie collect coats and put them into the back bedroom, or give them a note pad and pen and ask them to take the drinks order from guests arriving.

You can ensure the balance of adult versus child focused activities by agreeing equal time spent doing both. For instance, adults get to talk and catch up when guests arrive and later a game will be played by all present.

Material gifts are good to receive but remember that time spent with your children listening, cuddling, laughing and loving them is the best gift of all!

See www.parentandbabycoach.co.uk

Next week: 5 more sleeps