Ten timely tips for helping children cope with Christmas stress
"How can we help children
cope with Christmas stress?"
Christmas time does not have to
be and should not be a time of stress for your children.
"Right," you say,
knowing that everyone is under stress at Christmas, not just children. Children have stress of their own, but also sense their parent's stress and may
respond to it in a negative way, which in turn increases the stress for
parents, other siblings, friends, teachers, classmates and others.
Here are ten timely tips for
helping children cope with Christmas stress.
1. Celebrate the true meaning
of Christmas.
When your children are taught
the true meaning of Christmas, it goes far beyond the concept of Santa Claus.
Most school age children will understand this message, to some degree. With
younger children, start to explain the reason why Christmas is celebrated, by
telling them the Christmas story or reading it aloud to them, on Christmas Eve.
Why not make this an annual event for everyone to enjoy.
2. Explain your Christmas
celebration to your children ahead of time, in such a way that they can
understand its significance to them, you and others.
When you explain to your
children the reality that Christmas is a special time for them, you and others
to celebrate, they will begin to see it in the same way. Do this well ahead of
time, so that when Christmas does come, they know exactly why you are doing,
what you are doing and what to expect from you and others. Encourage them to
participate in the preparations for Christmas, as much as possible. Try to make
it a fun time for everyone. If you are happy, excited and looking forward to
Christmas, they will respond in that manner, also.
3. Assure them that you love
them and will be there for them, even though you love others and have to spend
time with them, too.
At Christmas time, there can be
many people in our lives and homes, although that is not always the case.
Children can feel left out, neglected or unloved, because they are not the center
of attention, especially when there are others present. Assure your children
ahead of time, that you love them and that you will still be there for them,
even though there are other family members or friends present. Encourage them
to be on their best behavior, at all times. Help them to get to know some of the
people who come to visit. They may be able to assist your children to deal with
Christmas stress that you may not be aware of in their lives. Don't forget to
reward good behavior.
4. Prepare well ahead of time
for any Christmas events and celebrations.
The holiday season is full of special Christmas events and other celebrations. Get organized early
and start a calendar, so that everyone knows what to expect. Prepare for all of
the special occasions ahead of time, as it will allow you to have more time for
your children. While it is not possible to do everything before Christmas,
there are many things that can be done with the help of your children. For
instance, you can do extra baking, shopping for clothing, shoes and gifts,
cleaning and decorating, several weeks before Christmas. When you know there
are special events coming up, plan for them, accordingly. For example, find
presents for your children's teachers, bus driver and babysitters. Do baking
for the Christmas concert and put it in the freezer. Keep things simple, but
make certain that the basics are taken care of early, instead of being left
until the last minute.
5. Spend quality time with your
children, doing sports related activities like skating or skiing that will help
them to use their excess energy.
Around Christmas, because of the extra excitement and the
cold air that is so invigorating, children seem to wake up and come to life, in a
new way. They too, are full of excitement and fresh energy. Active participation in
sports related activities will help them to burn some of that extra energy.
Besides that, it is fun for everyone.
6. Reduce their amount of sugar
consumption, as it will cause an increase in hyperactivity.
During the holiday season and right at Christmas, most children and adults consume too many
sweets. This can cause hyperactivity. Reducing the consumption of candy and
sweets will help to reduce the stress related to hyperactivity. Limiting candy,
cookies, cakes and soft drinks is a good idea. Encourage snacks that are
nutritious like fruit or vegetables, cheese and crackers, nuts or raisins,
instead of candy, cookies or cakes.
7. Explain Santa Claus in such
a way that it is clear to them that they can and should give gifts to others,
as
well as expect to receive them.
Many children think that
Christmas is about the gifts that they will get from Santa Claus or others.
Explain to them that being Santa Claus might be just as much fun for them, as
receiving presents. Encourage them and their friends, to write letters to Santa
Claus, so that you know what their expectations are, but help them to find,
make or prepare gifts they can give to others. Get their input regarding gifts
that they want to give to others, before purchasing anything on their behalf.
Spend time listening and talking to them about gifts and the giving of gifts.
8. Suggest Christmas related
creative activities that will keep them busy and out of mischief.
When children see parents or
family members busy at Christmas, they may be tempted to get into mischief.
Plan your children's activities in conjunction with your own, in such a way
that they are busy. That way they do not have time to get into mischief. Make
certain that they are safe and have proper supervision, at all times. If
necessary, have a babysitter or a teenager do special things with them, while
you do the things that you need to do. Keep them so busy that they do not keep
you busy. Try to attend at least one special event with them, like a Santa
Claus parade, a church service on Christmas Eve, a Christmas festival or
concert. Make an extra effort to be there together, as a family.
9. Encourage your children to
get enough rest during the holiday season.
Because there are so many
things that happen over Christmas, it is often difficult for children to get
enough rest. As a result, they may become irritable or cranky. Make certain
that your children's normal schedules are adhered to, as much as possible. Get
enough rest yourself, so that you do not feel stressed out while caring for
them
10. Focus on the love of
others, as the reason for gift giving and then shop with them for necessities,
as a first priority.
Setting priorities at Christmas
is important. While it is easy to be carried away with spur of the moment
shopping, it is more important that the needs of your children are met, first.
Use a shopping list, prepared well ahead of time, in order to purchase the
basics they need. Then, look at things that might be special, though they are
not essential. Avoiding the purchase of luxury items will prevent your from
having a lot of extra financial stress before, during or after Christmas.
While none of these ten timely
tips can guarantee a totally stress free Christmas for your children, they are steps in the right direction. Enjoy your holiday, knowing that you have taken
some measures to help your children cope with their Christmas stress.
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