Recently, I wrote an article explaining how adults can manage their mental health during the holidays. But the truth is, this period can be equally stressful for kids of all ages.
Sure, there’s a dozen fun activities lined up for the little ones during this season. However, this also leads to delayed bedtimes, inconsistent schedules and disrupted routines. All of these factors combined can cause a certain amount of stress for children.
This is why kids will sometimes react by throwing a tantrum or disobeying you. To reduce this holiday-related anxiety, here are a few tips to keep your child’s mental health in check.
Offer Mental Health Resources
It’s not always that a parent and his/her kid(s) are on good terms. This is particularly the case for parents raising teenagers and young adults. However, just because you’re going through a rough patch doesn’t mean you neglect their mental health.
Provide them with mental health resources so they can seek any help they need. Enroll them to a support group, therapy sesh with the family psychiatrist, hotlines or give them numbers of close family friends and relatives. They’ll likely feel more comfortable discussing the matter with a neutral party.
Don’t Overschedule
There’s nothing wrong with wanting your child to attend every holiday party or event. Perhaps you regard this as the best way to show them love.
In reality though, creating a jam-packed schedule for kids can heighten their stress and anxiety levels. Thinking about what they’ll wear, how they’re expected to behave, what gifts to buy, who to interact with- this can be overwhelming for the youngsters.
Instead, cut back on the number of activities and events they have to attend. Consider having just one or two events per week so your child doesn’t feel overextended. While you’re at it, choose activities involving people that your child feels comfortable around.
Adopt Healthy Habits Together
If your child’s mental wellness has been slipping, there’s a good chance that they’ve also neglected leading a healthy lifestyle. To help them get back on track, look for or create opportunities to engage in healthier habits together. If they see you living healthily, they’ll be motivated to do the same.
For instance, let’s say that you’ve found your child eating junk food. Instead of simply asking them to stop, invite them to join you for a grocery errand. Once there, you can show them alternative snacks that are healthier. Or better yet, research and prepare healthy meals and snacks together. This way, they have access to nutrient-rich snacks anytime they’re hungry or thirsty.
Stick to Routines
Following routines during the holidays is undoubtedly difficult. You take your kids to attend a local fanfare and before you know it, it’s already late in the evening. You haven’t even considered what your family will have for dinner.
Now, it’s completely normal to fall out of routine following a big event or outing. However, you should try and get back on track in the next couple of days.
The day after the event/ party, engage in calm, quiet activities and resume the routine gradually. This ensures that your kids sleep on time and get enough rest- which is one way to reduce holiday stress levels. Even the Bible asks us to rest after a hard day of work. “Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest. In plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.” (Exodus 34:21)
