Tips for helping kids with holiday stress
The holiday season has started in earnest, with the excitement and buildup of all that they have to offer.
While parents focus on planning family get-togethers, meals and gift-giving, it can be an especially stressful time for children, with inevitable changes in daily routines.
“Maintaining consistency in your child’s routine, such as keeping mealtimes and bedtimes the same as usual, can help reduce their stress,” said Kenneth Colmer, MD, a pediatrician with Bass River Pediatrics.
In addition to creating a predictable routine, Dr. Colmer offers the following suggestions to help children navigate the holidays and learn along the way:
- Active playtime: Help children burn off energy by heading outdoors and taking a walk, go for a hike, or enjoy a bike ride when the weather cooperates. The Cape Cod Rail Trail is perfect for all of these activities. Every town also has a playground or park where kids can socialize and enjoy the equipment. And don’t forget the beach, which is an ideal place for children to run, explore and use up some energy. These activities also help to reduce exposure to illness when getting away from group gatherings in your home or other places.
- Holiday activities: Community Christmas celebrations and activities may sound like enjoyable things to do, but if there is an activity the children don’t really want to do, then say ‘okay, we can skip this if you aren’t up for it.’
- Lessen the pressure for over-spending on presents: Consider making a couple of gifts with your children or have them make a gift for a grandparent or other special adults and friends. These types of gifts will be treasures and will teach your children about gift giving in different ways.
- Donating items that can help others: There are many organizations that work with families in need and can provide opportunities for gift giving. Toy collection drives, church programs, schools, and other community organizations can always use donations of toys and other gifts, especially during the holiday season.
- Volunteering: Children can volunteer at shelters or assist with preparing and serving meals at community holiday dinners for residents in need and older adults. Christmas caroling at area senior centers or nursing homes would bring joy to older adults.
Adults and children may feel a sense of loss or sadness around the holidays, he said. Acknowledge these emotions and reassure your children that it’s normal and that not everyone feels happy this time of year. Let them know you’re aware of their feelings and be gentle with your own. If you, your family, or friends need support, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Other Suggestions
My grandchildren, ages 4 and 5, are already excited about what they want for Christmas presents. My daughter-in-law and I came up with an idea of teaching them the importance of giving to others during the holidays. We asked them if they would like to choose toys they no longer play with, and we would donate them so that another child could play with them. They agreed, and while the process seemed a little overwhelming to them at times, they did a good job of deciding on some toys that were in great condition to donate.
“We have a gift-giving program in our church that I really like,” said Dr. Colmer. “We assist local families in need by purchasing Christmas gifts for their children. Each tag includes a child’s name, age, clothing size and gift request. Once the gift is bought, it’s returned to the church for delivery to the parents. Participants may take as many tags as they wish. These are good opportunities to teach children there are others in need.”
His most important tip for enjoying the holidays – for both children and adults? “Enjoy time with your family and friends, because this is what Christmas is all about.”
