One of the hardest things for children to do is waiting. Unfortunately they are required to wait in check out lines, wait for the doctor, wait while you are in the car and any number of other times during the day. There are activities you can do with your child to make this wait less stressful, pass more quickly, and use it as a learning opportunity at the same time.

This month we will focus on developing math skills.

Look for patterns Do the tiles on the floor make a pattern? Is there a pattern to the ways the colors are arranged? Tell them "we are second in line". Point out that all traffic lights have the same sequence of colors.

Spatial relationships Have them find squares, circles or triangles in everyday items around them like street signs or signs in the market. How many sides does a square have? How about a rectangle? How are they different and the same? Use words like "on" or "inside". Make shapes together in the air with your fingers.

Estimation and Prediction How many bags will it take to put all the groceries in? How many apples in a pound? Check your change and let him or her guess which makes a taller stack, 5 pennies or 5 nickels? Which is bigger the cereal box or the cracker box?

Measurement and Time How many fingers high is the jar? Which is heavier the tomato or the apple? How many steps to the car? How long can you stand on one leg?

Set a budget and stick with it. Use lay away where possible and avoid maxing out your credit cards. There is nothing more depressing then trying to pay off credit cards bills. Your children will not be able to have everything on their list so help them prioritize what they want the most.

Carry your list with you. When you find something that is just perfect for your Auntie buy it and cross her name off. Keep track of how much you have spent for each child and when you have reached your limit stop buying for them. Shop craft fairs, second hand stores and sales. Try to avoid the week before Christmas rush.

Eat healthy and don't over eat. When we get busy we often tend to eat on the run or grab fast food. Starting with Halloween candy we all tend to nibble and there tends to be more food around, especially rich snacks which we may not eat the rest of the year. Children can develop upset stomachs and otherwise feel badly when they eat too many sweets or high fat foods.

Delegate. If you are having big family meal, decide ahead of time who is bringing what. The children can help with setting the table and cleaning up after.

But most of all, remember that this is a time to spend with family and loved ones, regardless of whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah or Kwanzaa. So enjoy.