Thursday, 29 November 2007 09:34
Reduce Stress This Holiday Season
At
this busy time of year, our many holiday activities can increase stress in
everyone -- including children, who may respond by crying, throwing tantrums,
clinging, excessive energy, and temporary regression such as thumb sucking.
Here are some helpful tips from
the Amador County Child Abuse Prevention Council to reduce stressful situations
for
you and the children in your care: Establish predictable routines. Be sure to eat
regular meals, get enough sleep and plan rest times; Explain the day’s
Activities to children so they know what is happening; Prepare snacks to
take along for hectic days and long shopping line; Slow Down – reduce the
number of planned activities to avoid that constant feeling of rushing
everywhere; Allow time to
Play and Move - shopping is boring to children, they need time to work-off
their endless energy; Be a good example by planning quiet time for
yourself; Use humor in difficult situations and remember to Breathe! ; Express
Positive appreciation to elicite
cooperative behavior - use lots of Hugs!!; Expecting Guests? This is a change
to the normal routine, so let children know and help share in plans to
make guests comfortable. Put away breakable and “special things” to remove
potential anxiety; and most importantly, Have Fun - don’t forget the season is
about family, sharing and gratitude.