The catalogues are rolling in and the 40% off signs are in just about every store window. The holiday season is upon us.
While children often look forward to a season full of gifts, candy, vacation, and parties, it can also result in increased stress and anxiety. Young children don’t know when enough is enough, and this can lead to overstimulation.
It doesn’t help that they are flooded with holiday cheer everywhere they turn. Come November 1st, the holidays are everywhere! Parents should set appropriate limits to help children slow down before they become overloaded with holiday spirit and end up with holiday stress.
It’s important to know the signs of stress in children:
· Frequent meltdowns for seemingly no reason at all. · Nervous behaviors such as nail biting or hair twirling (sometimes pulling out hair) · Headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue · Regressed behavior · Isolation or withdrawal from normal social activities
All children are different, but if your child’s behavior changes this holiday season, it’s probably time to slow down.
You might find that all it takes is a few simple strategies to help keep the holiday stress to a minimum for your child.
1. Keep the routine: Try to avoid letting the holiday season become an excuse for inconsistent bedtimes, unhealthy eating, and less exercise. Children are at their best when they have a structured routine in a predictable environment. Bedtime should remain the same, healthy meals and snacks should be a priority (hint: provide a healthy snack before the party to avoid overindulging at the party), and daily exercise is a must. Cold weather is not a reason to watch TV all day. Obstacle courses, treasure hunts, and dance parties will get your kids moving. 2. Set limits: Dragging your children to every holiday party isn’t doing your children any good. Parties are over-stimulating and exhausting. Get a babysitter and go alone of you feel a party is a must. Better yet, learn to say no. Attending every party out of guilt will lead to resentment, which increases your stress level. If possible, try to combine family events to avoid multiple parties. 3. Focus on tradition: While the parties, lights, and holiday parades are all fun and exciting it’s the quiet family moments that count. Bake holiday treats, play board games by the fire, and trim the tree as a family. Find a tradition that fits your family, and focus on quality time spent together. Children always crave family time. 4. Give back: Whether it’s making cards for children in your local children’s hospital or donating toys and clothes to families in need, it’s important to teach young children the value helping others. 5. Focus on coping strategies: Watching TV is not a coping strategy, but these are: Reading together, listening to calming music, extra cuddles, art, and special time.
While you are shopping, baking, wrapping, and worrying about the next credit card bill, try to take a minute to focus on your kids. They might be experiencing holiday stress too.