Minimizing Holiday Stress!

Dos and Don’ts of Minimizing Children’s Holiday Stress

By Barbara Thornton

During this holiday period, there are lots of fun activities and events going on both at home and at school, and while this is a good thing, holiday stress does cause varying degrees of anxiety in children.

Routines are important! Loss of sleep, change in diet and over stimulation can result in unhappiness for everyone, but these effects are often greater for children.  So DO keep your child’s eating, sleeping and activity schedule as close to regular as possible. And when a change in routine is inevitable, try to get back on track as soon as you can.  And DON’T let your child overdo on sweets.

DON’T over schedule your child.  Don’t say yes to every invitation or request, or you will end up with more activities than your family can happily handle.  DON’T forget – less is more.

If you are the type who must plan, then -

DO plan quiet time:

Reading stories

Hot cocoa and popcorn

Movie night at the house

Writing Holiday cards with a grandparent

DO plan activities to keep your child moving:

            Going skating

Swimming at the YMCA

Outside play dates

            Nature walks

DO watch your child’s cues. If you see your child starting to get tired or acting cranky, changing your plans may save you lots of grief in the long run.  You may need to take a snack break, or add a nap on a day you didn’t expect it would be needed.

DO remember that you are the most important role model for your child.

Set a calm example. Keep things in perspective. Don’t set unrealistic expectation for yourself or your family members.  Don’t compare the present with romanticized memories of holidays past.

DON’T blow things out of proportion.  Even when things don’t go the way you had hoped, remember that a disaster now results in a funny story later.

DO take care of yourself.  This may seem counter-intuitive with the holiday season messages, but being at your best is the most important gift you can give your family. Pay attention to your own needs and feelings during the holiday.  One way to help alleviate your own stress is to take advantage of Parent’s Night Out at Kangaroo Kids.

DO accept that there will be stress. But DO live in the moment, DO appreciate every moment you share with your child, and DO be thankful for all you have.

Happy Holidays!

Avoid Common Mistakes When Guiding Children's Behavior

Common mistakes we make when guiding children’s behavior:

1.       Not setting clear expectations in advance

Example:  “We are going shopping. Remember, we are only buying food for breakfast, and you can help me make some healthy choices.”   It also helps to review healthy choices.

2.       Not setting boundaries

Think of how you would feel driving in the right lane of the Brooklyn Bridge if there weren’t any guard rails?  You child needs boundaries which will grow as the child matures. 

3.       Lack of follow through and inconsistency

      Ask yourself - Are you willing to leave the cart if you give a warning to your child that you are leaving the store if he or she doesn’t stop a specific behavior? 

• Mean what you say or don’t say it.
• Don’t say no but then give in after much pleading, it only creates an environment for longer pleading.
• Choose your battles.  Ask yourself does it really matter?
• Turn off the cell phone so you can focus on follow through.

4.       Confusing loving with indulging

5.       Not letting our children experience consequences

6.       Not creating a yes environment.  A yes environment is created by setting parameters that are age appropriate such as avoiding long waiting periods for young children, and giving children time to transition as opposed to rushing from one activity to another.