Schools are almost out for Christmas Break, and for many, the holiday stress is already upon you. We all know that being out of routine on a normal day can wreak havoc on how we feel, not to mention our kid’s behavior. Now, add that kids are out of school, a sense of anticipation of Santa and gifts, odd hours, new people, and new foods, and your child drops into a pile on the floor, overwhelmed. It’s a scene that parents know all too well, and wish to avoid, if possible.
Reducing holiday stress with kids involves careful planning, setting realistic expectations, and focusing on creating meaningful and enjoyable experiences. Here are some tips to help you manage holiday stress with children:
- Plan: You know whose houses you’ll visit, what parties you’re attending, and events you want your kids to participate in so…
- Start your holiday preparations early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Create a holiday schedule or checklist to stay organized. Remember that if you’re always running around playing catch-up, you will miss out on the opportunity to make memories.
- Here’s a download to help you keep a little more organized this season.
- Maintain Routines: Kids thrive on routine, so rather than expect the unexpected, plan!
- Stick to regular routines as much as possible to provide stability for children.
- Ensure they get enough sleep and maintain healthy eating habits.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Don’t overschedule your family! If you know Johnny needs a nap every day at a certain time, plan around that or ensure that it can happen.
- Be realistic about what you can accomplish during the holiday season.
- Communicate with your children about your plans and manage their expectations. Always talk to your kids about what’s planned, and set expectations. Stating your expectations sets your kids up for success.
- Manage Expectations:
- Explain to your children that not everything may go as planned, and that’s okay. Make a plan for what your child can do if things don’t go as they hope. You are helping them learn how to manage their emotions in the face of disappointment or overwhelm.
- “We are going to Grandma’s house today. I know you love to play with this toy when you are there. However, there will be a lot of family at the house so you may not get it out. Is there something else you could do instead?”
- Emphasize the importance of spending time together and enjoying each other’s company.
- Be Flexible:
- Be flexible and open to changes in plans. That being said, kids are not always prepared to be flexible, and their disappointment can cause more holiday stress. This goes back to number four with those expectations.
- Remember that the most important thing is spending quality time together.
- Involve Kids in Planning: Do your kids really want to go to your office party?
- If your child is included in an event, let them help with the planning! If they are a part of the planning, the activity is relatable for them. Kids love having jobs that make them feel responsible and like they are contributing.
- Allow them to contribute ideas for decorations, meals, and activities. A kid on a mission with a job is an immediate holiday stress reliever!
- Limit Activities: It’s easy to get pulled in many directions to please everyone, but remember that no one is pleased when your child is overwhelmed.
- Avoid overscheduling with too many events or activities.
- So, to limit holiday stress with your kids choose a few meaningful activities rather than trying to do everything. Family gatherings are probably not getting canceled so talk to your child about what activities are most important to them and let them help decide.
Tips and Tricks to Calm Overwhelm
Well, you tried it all, and your child still is in the throes of overwhelm, which causes you more holiday stress and overwhelm of your own. What now? Try some mindfulness exercises that will help you both find your calm.
- Santa’s Breath-breathe in and exhale ho, ho, ho
- 5,4,3,2,1-No, this isn’t a countdown you do to get your child to stop what they are doing. However, this does just the trick. It is a calming countdown using the senses. Name five things they can see, four things they can touch, three things they can hear, two things they smell, and one thing they can taste. This activity takes the overwhelmed brain into a thinking state allowing the body to calm itself.
- An alternative could be to touch different body parts, “Can you touch your elbow, your back, your toes, etc? Or play a game of I Spy with colors. Again, you are trying to calm the brain and guide your child back to homeostasis.
- In preparation for an evening that may not be the most fun for your child, provide a distraction or a calming toy. These toys can be a reminder to help them remember to breathe or can just be a distraction from the chaos. Check out these fidgets from Amazon. (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.)
Magical Memories
Aside from this, remember that you can also get overwhelmed with holiday stress. So, being empathetic and modeling coping skills will help your child understand they are not alone. By incorporating these strategies, you can create a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday season for you and your children. Don’t let those stressful moments overshadow what a magical experience Christmas can be for you and your child. Prioritize quality time, meaningful traditions, and a positive atmosphere to make lasting memories.