Behavioral Health Articles

Holiday Stress in Children

by Nancy Hart

Holidays and family gatherings are a time of happiness and celebration, but they can also be very stressful for families with children. Here are some tips to de-stress the holidays:

• Keep things simple. Fancy meals and perfectly wrapped gifts are for the childless!
   
• Stick to your routines. Plan shopping trips and get-togethers around naps and mealtimes if possible. If you can’t then be sure to take plenty of snack and rest breaks. There’s no one harder to reason with than a tired, hungry child (even if she is 18!).
   
• Let the kids help. Children as young as a year can roll out dough, cut out cookies, dust, or even decorate homemade wrapping paper. And think how proud they will be to say “I did it myself!”
   
• Be prepared when you travel. Pack healthy, low sugar snacks, books, wipes, and favorite “loveys” or pillows. Remember, however, that airlines will not allow drink bottles on planes unless they are purchased in the secure gate.
   
• Keep kids safe. Be sure all decorations are both child proof and fire proof. Put cords and wires out of reach. Place glass ornaments out of reach, or save them for when the kids are older. There’s a lot of very pretty plastic out there! Keep plants like poinsettias away from little hands and mouths. Don’t allow kids to drink any alcohol, as it can be poisonous to children, even in small amounts.
   
• Have fun! Tale time to see the season through your child’s eyes! This is how our very best memories are made.

During this holiday season remember to help kids learn respect and understanding for all people, whether or not they share our expectations of holiday joy. Families and individuals may celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, or no holiday at all. Also, some people may not be in a mood to celebrate, because of mental or physical illness, poverty, or loss of a loved one. The stigma associated with these and other challenges can be especially acute this time of year.

The Cortland Family Fun & Resource Center can be a great place to de-stress! Stop in, play with your children, meet other parents, and make use of our parenting library and referral resources. For more information about this free community resource, and for information about our parenting classes, call the Center at (607) 753-1351.

Nancy Hart is the Program Coordinator for the Cortland Family Fun & Resource Center.