Use the ‘one finger’ rule
As a new mother, the older and more experienced mom at my church explained to me that I didn’t have to hide my tree. I just had to give limits. She told me about The One Finger rule.
Basically, you tell your smart toddler (because they’re all way smarter than you think), “one finger!”
By giving this command you’re allowing them the one thing they really, really want. To touch it! Young children learn best through tactile stimulation, by touching and feeling. They love to experience new things hands-on. So when they first see the amazing sight of a Christmas tree they want to touch it. And touch it bad! When you don’t let them it actually causes more tree mishaps and ornament disasters. But by allowing them to experience the tree with their fingers while still placing limits, you end up with a delighted child and happy Mommy.
I know, it sounds too easy, but try it and you’ll see. If you give them the strong and authoritative instruction of “One Finger” when they first encounter the Christmas tree they’ll follow it. You most likely will have to remind them with this two-worded command the first few encounters, but it will stick. They will be so awestruck by the sights and sounds of Christmas. Allowing them to touch it (even with just one finger) and experience it for themselves is enough to satisfy their little minds. It won’t be so off-limits and enticing either. They won’t be itching to pluck an ornament off the tree when you’re not looking. Trust me, and give it a try.
One Finger!
It’s the easiest Christmas hack ever to toddler-proof your tree without having to actually toddler-proof it! It’s so simple I almost felt silly sharing it, but I’m so glad that other mom shared it with me. So enjoy!
