Navigating Holiday Stress for Kids

With the excitement of the holiday season comes stress—for everyone. It’s not just adults who feel it; children, even infants, can experience stress too. Understanding the signs and having a plan to ease their stress can make all the difference.

Recognizing Signs of Stress

Children may show stress in various ways, including:

• Crying without a clear reason
• Nervous habits of your child 
• Stomach aches or headaches
• Bedwetting
• Tantrums
• Withdrawing from groups

Knowing what triggers stress in your child can help you address it before it escalates.

How to Manage Stress

1. Set Realistic Expectations: Discuss what your family can expect during the holidays. Include children in planning.  It’s okay to limit obligations and say no when necessary.
2. Keep Routine Consistent: Try to stick to your child’s regular schedule, including nap times and meal times. Maintaining a sense of normalcy can be reassuring.
3. Understand Your Child’s Needs: It’s important to keep your expectations in check. For example, don’t expect a preschooler to sit still and behave perfectly at an adult holiday party. Allowing your child the freedom to decline hugs is also important.
4. Know Their Triggers: If you know what sets off your child, you can avoid many stressful situations. If your child gets hangry, pack healthy snacks for errands. Familiar items like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal can provide comfort in crowded settings.
5. Plan Ahead: Research holiday events to see if they might overstimulate your child. Use noise-canceling headphones or find a quieter spot if needed. Prepare yourself and your child for events that may overstimulate.
6. Simplify Choices: When picking out presents or decorations, limit their options. Instead of asking what they want, give them two choices. This makes decision-making easier for them and faster and less stressful for you.

Self-Care for Parents

Remember to take care of yourself as well. Your stress can affect your child, so staying calm and collected helps them feel secure. Taking time to laugh and enjoy the moment can make a world of difference.  Ask yourself, if I am getting stressed thinking about an event, is it an event I need to attend.   It is ok to skip events to have a happier less stressful holiday. 

By being mindful and prepared, you can help your child—and yourself—navigate the holiday season with a little less stress and a lot more joy.