Handling Your Sh*t with the Little Ones During the Holidays

The holidays: sugar, lights, extra guests, extra activity… and yes, extra diapers. At Stinky Booty, we know parenting isn’t always neat, especially during the busiest season of the year. So, here’s your survival guide to handling your sh*t (both literally and figuratively) when small kids are involved – with laughter, grace, and a little bit of the unknown.

1. Expect the unexpected (and pack accordingly)

The holidays bring new routines, faces and maybe even new locations. That can mean major wins—and major blowouts. Research shows that children’s routines being disrupted often leads to stress, meltdowns, or behavior that surprises you. So, this holiday season, enter it knowing that all of this may or may not happen, and THAT IS OK. If you are visiting family, give a heads up to them about your little one’s schedule. A calm parent often equals fewer surprises!

2. Keep elements of routine alive

Kids thrive on predictability. Holidays make everything less predictable. One strong piece of advice: “Don’t lose all routines”. Plan around nap/bedtime as much as possible. Use a visual schedule or talk about what is coming. Give the kids a heads up: “After dinner, we’ll go to Grandma’s, then we will pick your PJ’s and then bedtime.” That kind of thing. And when you can – build in downtime. Even a quiet 10-minute cuddle moment counts!

3. Manage your expectations

Here’s the truth: perfect holiday with toddlers? Rare. Blowouts, meltdowns, diaper explosions? Totally on the menu. Experts say: be kind to yourself. You are allowed to say “no” to one more event if you’re feeling stretched. Accept that maybe half the photogenic moments will go off script (and that’s ok). When things go sideways, let your sense of humor help. You’re the leader of your Stinky Booty tribe—roll with it!

4. Let them help!!

Yes—even the toddlers!! Giving kids small rolls helps them feel part of the holiday action, and it gives you a little support. Ask them (age-appropriately) to help carry something light. Let them pick one special decoration out or pick what music plays for 10 minutes. Make use of a washable “helper” apron or shirt for them to get in on the action in the kitchen.

5. Choose quality chaos over quantity overload

We are big on fun – but too many parties, too many visits, too many new toys can equal overstimulation. Here’s how to keep things manageable. Limit big events to a comfortable number; schedule rest after. Choose one big toy rather than five little ones. Maybe even encourage an experience (“Let’s go look at the lights together”) over things!

6. Handle the blowouts (literal & emotional)

Ok – yes, the diapers. But also: toddlers may show big emotions because this season is full of change. There will be moments when you feel like you have lost your sh*t! For those literal blowouts, always carry a just in case kit, and pack a few diapers/wipes in the car so you aren’t hunting in the middle of an event. For the emotional blowouts (yours or theirs), recognize triggers! Have a “quiet spot” option – a hallway, a lesser-used room where your child can recharge. And give yourself grace! And maybe even a glass of wine when needed.

7. Celebrate the messy magic

Here is our favorite part. When the family is gathered and you catch your baby giggling, your toddler wraps you in a hug that smells like... well, baby-booty. Or your little one whispers to you “this is the best day”. These are the moments. Laugh at the mess – Who dat Got dat Stinky Booty?! Take pictures of the crazy, not just the perfect. Celebrate small wins: whether they sat through dinner for 10 minutes, you made it through church, and you are all in clean(ish) clothes.

Quick checklist for your Stinky Booty holiday kit

Extra diapers (1-2 more than you think you’ll need)
Wipes + travel pouch
Change of clothes for the little one and you (yes, sometime you too!)
A “calm down” toy/blanket for breaks
Ziplock bag for dirty clothes/diaper

This holiday season, parenting small ones doesn’t need to be picture-perfect. It just needs to be honest, joyful, and slightly stinky. With a bit of prep, a few routines, a sense of humor, and trust in yourself-- you are going to rock it.

From everyone at Stinky Booty: Who dat Got dat Stinky Booty?! WE do! And we’re proud. Happy holidays, you awesome parent. May your coffee be strong, your wipes be plentiful, and your laughs be loud.

xoxo, SB TEAM

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