Mental Health Day
This week has been like a rollercoaster. Not the scary kind of rollercoaster but the kind that you get on and it goes 100MPH and you aren’t sure where the huge hair pin turns are and the “what seems like bottomless drops ” sneak up on you. The kids aren’t having bad behavior we have just lost the calmness that is always so prevalent in our home.
I have tried every technique I know. The most important thing to remember when children are in chaos is not to JOIN their chaos. I think everyone that works here for the most part are very good at remaining an island of peace. When children get a little crazy it is my nature to become more quiet and try to work things out. Have you ever been somewhere ( like a childrens party ) that nothing bad was happening it was just so busy, and everything was over the top, the noise, the laughter and even the way people moved ? It is like a major sensory over load.
Tis the season. I have felt myself teetering on the edge of becoming discouraged or joining their chaos so today I took 4 hours for self care. I mean.. if you can call it that.
Randy and I did a little stocking stuffer shopping . I was able to breathe and I am hopeful that those few hours refuel me to help the kids cope with all the excitement until Christmas.
As a parent ( and a teacher ) there are things we can do to help children with the anxiety of the holidays. Here are some great tips from verywell. com .
The holidays are a fun and joyous time but also a very busy one, and holiday stress and anxiety in children can and does happen. During the holidays, there are lots of fun activities and events going on, both at home and at school. And while that can be a good thing, the reality is that all that hustle and bustle means schedules are often out of whack, bedtimes get pushed back, and routines are disrupted.
As a result, it’s inevitable that kids may feel some degree of holiday stress.
Set a Calm Example
The most important way parents can help ease anxiety in children during the holidays is by trying to keep things relaxed as much as possible. As with so many situations, the way parents handle an issue can set the tone for how their kids will behave. If you let holiday stress get to you, your kids will definitely pick up on it, and child anxiety is more likely to be a problem in your house. To minimize anxiety in children during the holidays, take steps to handle your own stress and anxiety.
Set Up Conditions for Good Behavior
Avoid taking your child to places such as the mall or holiday gatherings when he is hungry or tired. It’s hard even for grown-ups to deal with noise and lots of stimulation when they’re not feeling their best; kids get hungry more often and become tired more easily, and may understandably have a tough time being on their best behavior and are more likely to experience holiday stress when they’re exhausted or hungry.
Remember the Importance of Routines
The holidays can throw a big wrench into household routines, and that can play a role in anxiety in children. To minimize holiday stress in your kids, try to get routines back on track once an event or party is over. For instance, if a school holiday concert or a church gathering goes past your child’s bedtime, try to stick to quiet, calm activities the next day and get your child to bed on timethe next night.
Watch What They Are Eating
Another thing that can fall by the wayside amidst the holiday hubbub is healthy eating. Between all the extra sugary holiday snacks and the lack of time to sit down to regular meals, it can be all too easy for kids to eat less healthy foods, which can contribute to holiday stress and anxiety in children. Try packing healthy snacks when you have to go shopping or run other holiday errands and try to minimize the number of sweet treats at home. Whenever possible, offer healthy snacks, such as air-popped popcorn or apple slices with cheese and crackers and limit cookies and candy to after-snack treats.
Get Your Child Moving
Fresh air and exercise are essential for boosting mood and re-setting the spirit, which can alleviate holiday stress and anxiety in children. Make sure you schedule some time to get your child outside to run around and play.
Avoid Overscheduling
As tempting as it may be to accept every invitation from friends and family, try to limit your holiday parties and activities so that you and your child are not overwhelmed. A couple of events a week may be fine, but having an obligation every day can lead to holiday stress and anxiety in children.
Have Your Grade-Schooler Help You
Big kids love to help mom and dad, especially if they get lots of praise for being responsible and helpful.
If you have to shop, ask your child to help you look for an item at the store (fun stocking stuffers for cousins, for example). Giving your child a task will not only boost her self-esteem, it’ll distract her and help prevent any holiday stress and anxiety.
Schedule Some Quiet Time
Having some peace and quiet with your child is more important than ever during the busy holiday season. Find a quiet corner and read a book with your child or create holiday pictures for grandma and grandpa. Take a walk outside in nature, away from noise and crowds and obligations.
Remind Your Child and Yourself What the Holidays Are Really All About
A great antidote for holiday stress and the bloated commercialism of the season is helping others, whether it’s by shoveling an elderly neighbor’s sidewalk or by wrapping presents for needy kids at your local church.