I have a toddler. How do you deal with the Christmas tree?

Question

We have an artificial tree that is attached to a base that last year was out of reach, bascially a shelf that cannot be moved. This year, he's climbing on everything. To tree or not to tree that is the question. The tree is prelit, so that's not a prob. It's more the ornaments I'm worried about. We live in a mobile home, and I don't have a clear view when I'm in the kitchen all the time.

Answer 1

put a baby gate between the doorway so he can't even go in the room without you"if you have to stack 2 gates on top of each other!

Answer 2

Wow, Great Question! We will be going through Christmas with toddler # 2 this year. I have tried or heard of it all. I found that through the season we did have to keep moving the ornaments up, in combination with a gentle "no" or "easy, easy" and showing them how to gently touch the ornaments. I definitely think that the guidance and boundaries is key, because it will carry through to all of his life experiences! However, I also know that my mom put our Christmas tree in the playpen as others have also suggested. As an adult now, I think that this is a great and funny story to hear. I wouldn't go and buy new decorations. If you have particularly special and/or fragile ones put them on a very small "ornament tree" (usually made of metal) that can sit on a shelf or the table. You may choose to display those few ornaments this way every year.

Answer 3

We put all of the glass and breakable ornaments toward the top of the tree. Our house has an open floor plan so I can see them from everywhere in the house. I think I used the word NO more during Christmas than any other time of the year. Just be very careful and extra cautious. Good luck

Answer 4

Actually, I have seen people put the gated play areas around the tree. Also, you could arrange furniture a different way just for the season, may look strange but, safety is the issue and having a tree is a got to. So, arrange an easily moved piece of furniture in front of it but where he can't reach even if he climbs up. You'll be less stressed and enjoy the holidays more. Good luck.

Answer 5

Year one with a walking baby we decorated the tree halfway up--it looked a little weird but it was OK. Year two we put all the OK to touch ornaments in her reach and did a lot of coaching about being careful. Year three (this year) with a 2 year old, a walking 10 month old and two kittens.....maybe we will do a nice wreath on the wall!! :-D

While I agree with the theory of boundaries, remember that young kids don't have much in the way of self-control and that is a developmental skill, not just a taught one. And, if you are going to make rules about touching--make sure you can/will enforce them every time. Better to choose less rules and hold the line than choose more and be wiggly about them--you're son will eat you alive if he knows he might get away with something! I have one kid who views "no touch" as a challenge and one who is pretty compliant. You have to discipline in a way that fits best with your style and your son's personality.

Answer 6

I would see if there is anyway you can gate off around the tree. I've seen some gates that are kinda like a playpen but you can change the shape and size. Think of a pen like you take with you on a trip with a dog. Put the tree in that. We've got a 19 month old and we are putting it in the front entrance way and gating it off and using the side door as our front door (which we usually do anyway cause that's where the garage is). I don't know the lay out of your house but maybe something like that. Good luck!

Answer 7

we live in a townhouse now but I am wondering the same thing, my son 13 months old last christmas took the tree down 3 times before christmas, I found a couple of ornaments in his playpen a week after taking the tree down.

I would put it up and just keep on him to look only. Trust me I am not looking forward to it either as my son climbs on EVERYTHING as well, including climbing up the living room window.

Best of luck to you. We are going to need it.

Answer 8

My son will be 2 in Feb. Last year he just wanted the "balls" and tried to reach them but couldn't. This year, my tree looks so funny b/c I've had to put all the ornaments out of his reach except some plush ones he can't hurt. Good Luck, I know what you are going through.

Answer 9

Decorate the tree with child-proof ornaments so that you won't have to worry about your child breaking a tree ornament. The Christmas tree should not be a "No-No" for your child.

When your child gets a little older, you may want to involve him/her in decorating the tree. One year my children and I made our own tree ornaments with cookie cutters and salt dough. We made snow men, candy canes, wreaths, Christmas trees, and angels. Then we baked our creations, painted them, and hung them on the tree. It was wonderful family time and the kids had a blast.

Answer 10

Paper chains and plastic balls can look very pretty. You can even use paper that co-ordinates with your wrapping paper. Just remember, tree or not, Christmas is a time for family. A house can look just as festive with garlands up high as it can with a tree. Enjoy this magical time of year through the eyes of your child and you won't even notice if there is a tree or not.

Answer 11

We made sure that all the glass or precious ornaments were up high and all the non-breakable ornaments were on the bottom. Also, if you allow them to help decorate and explain to them that we keep the decorations on the tree so that everyone can enjoy them that come to visit.