Help Your Child Avoid the Stress that Can Come With the Holidays

   

     This time of year is often one filled with fun and excitement for many families, however, it can also bring about  overwhelming feelings of anxiety, depression and stress as we try to keep up with the demands of social events, gift purchases and travel.  These feelings are not exclusive to adults- as children pick up on the hectic behavior and moods of their parents.
     I recently read an article put out by the Maryland Department of Health that gave these tips on how to de-escalate the stress that the holiday season can cause so that families can truly enjoy a happy holiday season.  Hoping your holiday season is a joyful one to remember.

• Remember routines - For parents of small children, this is especially good advice. During the holidays, children will find their routines disrupted. They are often dragged along on shopping trips or taken to special events. They stay up past bedtime and eat too many holiday goodies. When a routine is broken, stress can result.
• Say "No" - You don't have to accept every invitation to cookie swaps, parties and gift exchanges that you receive.
• Nutrition - Have you ever noticed the lines at fast food restaurants as the holidays approach? The lines are getting longer because people are often too busy to go home and cook a nutritious meal. Add all of those sugary holiday treats, and you end up with a stressed out, hungry family. Plan at least one healthy meal for the family every day. Take the time to talk and enjoy being together as a family.
• Family traditions - Many don't realize how important traditions are to themselves and their children. Family traditions offer great comfort and security for children. What are your family traditions? Perhaps your family would enjoy creating a holiday calendar or baking cookies together.
• Attitude check - Both children and their parents need to have an attitude check before the holiday season begins. Take a deep breath, and have everyone in the family pledge to make the holiday season a time of joy and peace. The less holiday stress you feel, the more relaxed your children will be.
• Rest and relaxation - Everyone, especially a child, needs to take a "time out" over the holiday season to rest and relax. A well-rested child will be much happier on a trip to the mall than one who is in need of a nap. Schedule some rest and relaxation time for everyone in the family.
• Favorite things - If you are traveling for the holidays, bring your child's favorite blanket or stuffed animal. A bit of home will help your child feel more comfortable.
• Laugh - Laughter is still the best way to beat stress and change everyone's mood from bad to good. Lighten the mood with funny movies, sledding or cozy chats over cups of hot chocolate (don't forget the marshmallows).