The holiday season is an exciting time for children and parents alike but they share the stresses in different ways. While most parents are overwhelmed but learn to cope, many children can experience high anxiety to the point of not enjoying – and even fearing – this time of the year.
How do you as a parent deal with an anxious child during times of added excitement, especially when you know excitement is not good for him or her?
Here are a few tips for helping children cope with holiday anxiety.
Spotting the Warning Signs of Stress
There are some visible clues that your child is under stress, and you are probably very aware of them. They include crying or irritability, nervous habits like nail biting or hair twirling, bedwetting and hyperactivity.
Your child might have an increase in stomach aches or headaches. There might be a lack of interest playing with friends or joining in holiday activities. If you sense there is a change in behaviors or feelings, it’s time to have a talk with him or her about what the holidays might involve.
Keeping Lines of Parent-Child Communication Open
Open a discussion with your child about their feelings toward the holidays, what might be causing him or her to worry, what types of situations fuel fear or uncomfortableness, and what might your child be looking forward to?
Discuss upcoming events and how to handle them, as a preview of what’s to come. Give your child as much notice as possible. Maybe you can use a calendar or chart to show your child when the holidays are and when any celebrations or parties will occur.
Tell your child you think he or she can handle any type of situation, keep reassuring that you will help with getting through the difficult times, and try building up levels of confidence ahead of time.
Sticking to Consistent Routines
Try to keep up family routines as much as possible. Holiday parties and events can interfere with family routines that your child is comfortable with. Keep the same time for meals, homework and bedtime.
Allow time to leave parties early enough so your child can unwind and get a good night’s sleep. Plan your own celebrations in the same way. Have some quiet times at home. Keep TV to a minimum on some nights. Listen to music or watch a non-stressful movie.
Tracking Nutrition & Food Intake
If your child has special dietary needs, try to monitor that they are met, even when holiday treats present special distractions. There are a lot of situations where party snacks are readily available, and these might pose a threat to your child’s health.
You probably should provide a nutritious meal before your child heads off to a party. Reducing hunger can help avoid irritability and poor choices.
Sugar highs can lead to hyperactivity followed by meltdowns and depression. Try to reduce the sugar content your child consumes. The same is true for caffeine that exists in colas and other sodas as well as chocolate.
Limiting Exposure to Holiday Chaos
There might be several parties in your neighborhood or family, and you don’t have to attend all of them, especially if any are particularly stressful for your child. It’s OK if your child does not participate in all celebrations.
There can be invitations for caroling parties, tobogganing parties, work functions, family outings, plays or concerts, church events, and more. Don’t be afraid to say “no” to some of them.
Shopping can be limited, too. Try not to go on all-day trips to the mall. Have a list to save some time. Make sure your children are well-rested before going. Use the Internet if you feel comfortable doing that. Your child can use the Internet to look for gifts or to make lists.
Plan some down time in between holiday parties and trips so that your child’s energy levels are well-maintained. Also, establish at-home family night(s) and incorporate fun, festive games and activities.
Be aware that your shy or introverted child may not like being hugged and kissed by all the relatives and family friends who come to visit. Your child might not like all those questions that curious relatives are sure to ask. You can act as amediator and deflect some of the interrogation.
You can discuss with your child on how to be polite without having to hug or converse with all the people that stop by or come to your celebration.
If you just use common sense, be aware of situations and conditions that might upset your child, and take some reasonable steps to limit any potential discomfort or stress, you will be giving your child the best holiday season ever.
