You can change the way your children enjoy Chol Hamoed with this one simple tip–and it doesn’t cost a thing.
One of the best parenting hacks for a smoother Yom Tov, especially Chol HaMoed, is preparation.
When we prepare ourselves and our kids, things are far more likely to run smoothly. That said—let’s be real—it’s impossible to prepare for everything. Flexibility still matters, and mishaps will happen.
But I don’t mean preparation on a big, overwhelming scale.
I mean the small, everyday kind:
- “We’re leaving in 5 minutes.”
- “10 minutes until clean-up time.”
- “Two more songs and the 24/6 is closing.”
- “One more game, then we head inside.”
These simple countdowns give kids time to shift gears, regulate, and cooperate—before emotions take over.
Want smoother meals or outings with less whining and fewer mishaps?
Preparation.
Here’s how it works: talk through the plan. Let your kids know exactly what to expect.
How to do it:
“We’re going to Urban Air today. They have ball pits, trampolines, slides, and arcades. Today we’ll be using the trampolines and the ball pits. We won’t be using the climbing wall or playing arcade games today.”
Set boundaries around buying
Clear expectations help prevent in-the-moment meltdowns.
“We’ll buy a drink while we’re there. We won’t be buying snacks or toys today.”
When kids know what to expect, they feel calmer—and so do you.
Prepare for transitions
Leaving is always hard unless it’s expected.
“We’re leaving Babi’s house after the lunch seudah. I’ll remind you when we’re up to dessert and again when we bentch. I know you want to stay and play with your cousins, but everyone is napping so they can be up for the Seder tonight.”
These reminders give kids time to process and mentally wrap up the fun.
Plan for separation (aka: getting lost)
Little legs wander, so make a safety plan.
“When we arrive, I’ll show you our meet-up spot in case we get separated. And I’ll show you where the bathroom is.”
Preparation like this doesn’t remove all challenges—but it greatly reduces them.
And that’s a win for everyone.
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