Holidays, Children, and Stress...Oh My!

For most children and adolescents, the holiday season is filled with fun, excitement, and happiness. Children often look forward to a break from school, holiday decorations, special foods, and family traditions. It can be hard to imagine the holidays producing stress and anxiety in children and adolescents, however this can happen with children and adolescents who have experienced parental divorce/separation or the loss of a loved one. The holidays are often a reminder of change, transitions, confusion, and at times difficult memories. Below are some tips for helping children manage the stress that accompanies the holiday season.

Talk with your children ahead of time about plans and other events while allowing them to have a voice in some of the planning process. This can reduce stress and anxiety around uncertainty and hectic schedules.

Avoid scheduling too many activities for you and your children. Children can begin to feel overwhelmed with too many activities, so try to prioritize events.

Plan and allow for relaxation time for your children such as listening to music, spending some time in a quiet room, reading, or other soothing activities.

Make sure your kids get plenty of sleep. A good night’s sleep can lower stress and irritability.

Avoid making promises you can’t follow through with and do not have control of – for instance promising that a parent or significant family member will call or come for a visit.

Avoid compensating for the other parent by buying expensive gifts. Children benefit from spending time with you, your attention, and reassurance.

Take care of yourself. You need to be at your best to effectively parent your children. Try to avoid over scheduling yourself and practice forms of self care to minimize your stress. Children pick up on their parents’ stress levels and will model your ability to use (or lack thereof) coping skills.

The Counseling House is wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season!  For more information about our services or to make an appointment, please visit the Counseling House website or contact us at 724-929-3435.

By Elizabeth Jehn, MA, LMFT