While the holidays are often a time of excitement for young children, sometimes everything isn't so peaceful and jolly in their world because of disrupted routines, changes of scenery and one-too-many celebrations or get-togethers. Just like parents, children can get stressed out during the holidays, although they may show their stress differently.
The National Center for Parents as Teachers offers some helpful strategies to understand and ease holiday stress to make the season more enjoyable for everyone.
* EXPLAIN THE CHANGES in routine during the holidays and talk to your child about how she feels about those changes.
* PLAN AHEAD. If you need to take your child along shopping, plan for short trips since young children can't handle too much hustle and bustle.
* SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S PERSONALITY and temperament. For example, let a slow-to-warm child stay close to you at family gatherings until he is ready to take part in the festivities.
* TRY TO KEEP A REGULAR ROUTINE during the holidays as often as possible and give children extra attention so they don't get lost in the holiday shuffle.
* GET KIDS INVOLVED. Young children love to help, whether it's with baking or decorating. Include some simple recipes your children can help with.
* PLAY HOLIDAY MUSIC at home while baking cookies; let the music fill the whole house with songs of the season. Music creates a positive atmosphere.
* WHILE TRAVELING, KEEP KIDS ENTERTAINED for a more enjoyable ride for everyone. Bring along books, card games, word games, hand puppets and healthy snacks.
* KEEP EXPECTATIONS IN LINE. Children get excited about the idea of receiving gifts. Talk with them about what they should expect so they're prepared.
* GET PLENTY OF REST. Make sure the whole family -- including the parents -- gets plenty of rest to prevent irritability and meltdowns.
For more parenting tips like these, visit www.ParentsAsTeachers.org.
* PLAN AHEAD. If you need to take your child along shopping, plan for short trips since young children can't handle too much hustle and bustle.
* SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S PERSONALITY and temperament. For example, let a slow-to-warm child stay close to you at family gatherings until he is ready to take part in the festivities.
* TRY TO KEEP A REGULAR ROUTINE during the holidays as often as possible and give children extra attention so they don't get lost in the holiday shuffle.
* GET KIDS INVOLVED. Young children love to help, whether it's with baking or decorating. Include some simple recipes your children can help with.
* PLAY HOLIDAY MUSIC at home while baking cookies; let the music fill the whole house with songs of the season. Music creates a positive atmosphere.
* WHILE TRAVELING, KEEP KIDS ENTERTAINED for a more enjoyable ride for everyone. Bring along books, card games, word games, hand puppets and healthy snacks.
* KEEP EXPECTATIONS IN LINE. Children get excited about the idea of receiving gifts. Talk with them about what they should expect so they're prepared.
* GET PLENTY OF REST. Make sure the whole family -- including the parents -- gets plenty of rest to prevent irritability and meltdowns.
For more parenting tips like these, visit www.ParentsAsTeachers.org.
