Tis the Season!
Hello Everyone!
The holiday season is supposed to be all about joy, peace, and spending quality time together, but often it can be a constant hustle and bustle that can be just as nerve-wracking for kids as it is for adults. These expert tips can help decrease your child's stress and make this time merrier for everyone.
7 Ways to Reduce the Stress:
1. Stick to routines: Children experience comfort through a routine, so as much as possible, stick to the same cap times, mealtimes, and bedtimes that are usual for your child.
2. Give a heads up: Once you've figured out the family's plan for the day, provide your child with a schedule. Simply being in the loop to prepare for what's coming is a huge stress relief.
3. Schedule in downtime: When coming up with your day's events, pencil in some downtime. Even a 15-30 minute break can help kids recharge and decrease the likelihood of emotional or behavioral problems later on.
4. Let your child vent: Give your child permission to come to you if he needs to get something off his chest. Give your child paper to draw or write about whatever is making him feel sand, mad, anxious, or upset.
5. Work up a sweat: Exercise causes the brain to release endorphins, the body's feel-good chemicals, which can reduce stress. Don't forget to exercise when you're traveling.
6. Just say "no": A major way to tame some of the craziness associated with the holidays is to skip out of some activities and the pressure to spend, spend, spend! Set limits on both!
7. Keep yourself in check: Children of all ages look to their parents for cures about how they should think, feel, and act. So make sure you manage your own stress. "Parents need downtime during the holidays just like children, so carve out some time, even if only a few minutes, to do something calming or enjoyable for yourself!
We wish you all the Season's blessings filled with joy and peace...even if things don't go exactly the way you planned!
P.S. Our Big Idea for the month of December is “Service”! I might also recommend taking some time to include your children in activities that allow them to experience the joy of being able to serve others in a special way this holiday season. They might just decide that it is better to give than to receive…sometimes!
Love,
Your Counselors,
Mrs.Irwin and Ms.Raney
