Whatever your special holiday, the holiday season can cause stress in young children. Children respond to stress in their own ways: crying, tantrums, clinging, excessive energy, temporary regression such as thumb sucking and many other manifestations.
We can't eliminate all holiday stress, but we can teach healthy ways to deal with stressful situations.
* Establish predictable routines. Eat regular meals. Make sure that children get enough sleep. Plan for rest times. Children need to know what is going to happen. Take time to explain the day's activities.
* Prepare ahead for a hectic day. Put the child's clothes out the night before. Plan for snacks. Quick, take-along snacks such as crackers, veggies and fruit require no refrigeration and can be shared when shopping lines are long or hunger makes tempers flare.
* If the family is always rushing, consider cutting back on the number of planned activities or schedule them over several days.
* Allow time for children to play. Plan frequent activity breaks. Find fun things you can do together.
* Set a good example yourself. Avoid overextending yourself by trying to do too much. Plan quiet times and "getaway" activities for yourself.
* Share humor in difficult situations. Take a step back and relax.
* Express positive appreciation for cooperative behavior. Provide lots and lots of hugs.
* Develop bedtime rituals: read a book, play a quiet game or talk.
* Avoid unnecessary competition and overstimulating games or toys.
* Plan ahead if you are expecting guests. Put away breakable or "special" things. Let your children share in planning how to make your guests comfortable. Discuss any changes in routine.
* If you're going to be visiting others over the course of the holidays, discuss any rules that might be different from home or activities that may be unfamiliar. Let your child help you make plans for bringing or making a gift.
* Show your child pictures of any unfamiliar guests. Talk about Grandma or Grandpa.
Stress reduction activities can include:
* Make "waiting" boxes to take along. Include things such as paper, coloring materials, small games, or books.
Listen to the rain fall, or other comforting sounds.
* Give your child a back rub.
* Dance around to music.
* Play finger games or counting games.
* Plan a surprise or do something special for someone else.
* Make up a story about the things you see, or tell a "once upon a time" story about your child.
* Make silly faces. Laugh!
* Exercise! Exercise! Exercise!
For more information about stress or other health-related topics, consult the Public Health Nurse for your area at 296-2770.[[In-content Ad]]
