Take the stress out of Santa season
At this time of the year you’re probably racing around the mall searching for presents when you get a spare couple of hours in between putting up decorations, planning parties and liaising with relatives over who’s going where for the seasonal celebration. Creating some holiday magic for your child is in the mix too… but the reality is that kids can get totally stressed out by all the rushing around and the pressure to have a good time. Follow Supernanny’s tips to keep them happy and healthy enough to have a great holiday…
1 Send your own stress packing
It’s guaranteed to have you snapping at your kids over the smallest thing. Try to slow down and lower your expectations as far as the celebrations go. You – and your kids – will enjoy yourselves much more if mom and dad are calm and relaxed about the whole thing. After all, more than anything your child sees this as a chance to spend time with you – which he can’t do if you’re running yourself ragged from morning until night trying to make sure everything is perfect.
2 Take time out together
Put aside your preparations and go see a movie or go for a special meal with your child. Even something as simple as a walk in the park, where you can talk about things, is a peaceful break from Christmas chaos.
3 Help your child see past the celebrations
Many children get stressed by the materialism of the season. Tap into your family’s religious or cultural traditions by sitting down for 10 minutes each day to talk about a tradition you follow at this time of the year. This helps young children see beyond the celebrations to the spiritual side of the season. Alternately, do some volunteering together with your child at a local homeless center, or packaging gifts for kids in less fortunate circumstances.
4 Involve your child
It’s all too easy for kids to feel left out as you panic over getting everything ready on time. Give them a sense of purpose and involvement in the festivities by writing up a special kid ‘to do’ list. Make it enjoyable: not just Christmas chores! For instance, they could be in charge of decorating their own room or a small tree in the hallway or porch of your home; or making their own special decoration or holiday cookies.
5 Stick to your routine
As far as possible, stick to the mealtimes and bedtimes your child is used to. Young children especially find great security in routines and your child will be reassured by knowing that some things will continue to stay the same amidst the chaos!
6 Ease up on events
The pressure to be good while visiting friends and family or to be on their best behavior when you have visitors takes its toll. Don’t schedule social visits back-to-back, and think about getting a sitter to stay with your children while you do some of the socializing solo.
7 Get physical
Make sure there’s some physical activity in the mix for your child: exercise promotes the release of feel-good hormones and helps relieve stress and tension. If it’s too cold to go out, check out Supernanny’s tips for having fun in the great indoors!
8 Tantrum-proof trips
If you’re traveling to visit relatives, bear in mind that long waits at airports and long car journeys can add to your child’s stress. As well as taking steps to keep her safe, try to make her trip enjoyable and keep her occupied on the journey.