Tis the 2018 holiday season is upon us. The holiday season can be a stressful experience for children, including children whose parents are separated whether by divorce, legal separation or never married. Children may suffer from anxiety due to worry from thoughts regarding how and where they will be spending their holiday time, for example. However, the American Psychiatric Association have provided these tips to help children cope with holiday stress.
1. Discuss holiday plans in advance, and let kids participate in decisions. Kids need some degree of predictability. Prolonged uncertainty, constantly changing plans or last-minute decisions can all increase stress.
2. If you're traveling, leave plenty of extra time and bring snacks, books, games and/or music.
3. Don't over schedule. You may not be able to do everything or see everyone. Kids can easily get"burned out," overtired and cranky during the holidays.
4. Give kids some "down time." Don't expect them to be "on" all the time. Leave room for some quiet activities, like listening to music, taking a walk or reading a book.
5. Make sure kids get plenty of sleep. While it may be exciting to stay up late, lack of sleep often leads to increased irritability.
6. Let kids be honest about their feelings. Don't force them to act happy and excited if they're feeling quiet or down.
7. Don't promise things you can't produce. For example, don't promise a parent will be home in time for the holidays if the decision is really out of your control. Don't promise someone will call if they're in an area with limited phone service.
8. Uphold and maintain family traditions even if a parent is absent. Kids count on certain traditions.They can have an important grounding effect by letting kids know that even though some things have changed, other things have remained the same.
9. Don't try to compensate for an absent parent with extra gifts or toys. What most kids really want is your time, attention and reassurance.
10. Take care of yourself. Try to avoid being overloaded with obligations. If you feel stressed, it increases the pressure and tension on your children.
Source: American Psychiatric Association