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The holiday season is a wonderful time of year for many, but it can also bring added stress to families - pressure to be on time, finances, hectic days and nights, trips, guests, etc..    

It's a good time to remember that kids of all ages feel the stress too and will act out in a number of ways. Younger kids may exhibit stress by crying, tantrums, clinging, excessive energy, temporary regression such as thumb sucking and many other ways.      

 

Older kids may be feeling overwhelmed, get cranky, and have what many call, "an attitude." Older kids not only have thestress of hectic schedules, family gatherings, and shopping (and paying) for gifts, they are also wrapping up the end of their school quarter or semester and have extra school work, projects, tests, and are worrying about their grades, they may be applying to colleges, or working extra hours.

There are several ways to simplify the holiday season. Attend fewer social events that are just for adults and cut back on outside commitments. Be more relaxed about how your house looks and entertain less.  

Travel less, allowing your family to think about which traditions are meaningful to them and which ones they want to keep. Ask your children what it is about the holidays that they most enjoy and look forward to. You may be surprised by their answers. Much of our holiday stress comes from putting our time and energy into activities that may not be right for us, our family, or our current situation. Add more holiday joy and reduce stress for you and your family by identifying what is important and what is affordable in terms of time, energy and finances.

Hopefully, slowing down can help reduce some of the stress in your lives and the lives of your children.