Children and parents look forward to the winter break from
school to have a reprieve from the hectic schedule and academic demands. During the holiday season children can
experience different stressors if they are faced with family financial
hardships and strained relationships from divorce or blended families. Some children may have a parent in the
military service that is deployed, or a recent family member may have passed
away that is causing sorrow. Whatever the concern is in your family there are
ways to support and comfort each other during this season.
Activities to relieve
stress
The American Psychological Association completed a recent
stress survey which reported 49% of teens felt that they were under more stress
this year. They stated that their worry
was affecting the quality of their lives: 42% headaches, 49% difficulty
sleeping and 39% are eating too much or too little. There are several things parents can do to
help their child feel cared for and understood.
A younger child that has experienced a loss could draw a
picture about what is making them feel sad or mad. Then have the child verbalize their thoughts
so that you can affirm their feelings. Families can gather together and play
holiday music, sing carols or dance to their favorite songs to forget their
worries for a while. It might be fun to visit extended family members and discuss
the memories of past holidays when you are missing individuals who are no
longer with you. Then bundle up to build a snowman or walk around the
neighborhood to look at the decorations.
When there is a lull in the festivities take holiday pictures to send to
family members that are not present and let them know how much they are
missed. If you are artistic be creative
and make an advent calendar for each family member to write the small things they
are grateful for each day. This will change your thinking from what you don’t
have to what you do have. To end the
holiday season your family could have a candle lighting where each child lights
their own candle in memory of those who have passed or to share their hope for
the New Year.
Season of hope
The Independent Sector study (1996) reports that children
who volunteer do better in school, feel more positive about themselves, and
avoid risky behaviors like drugs and alcohol.
It can help them develop career goals, learn how to respect others and
understand people who are different. Children
that have participated in service activities are more likely to vote, have a
positive work ethic, and live a socially responsible life. Helping others less fortunate this holiday
season can make a difference in your community.
It can also make a lifelong impression on your children and family as
you work together to help make your community a better place to live.
The holidays can be a lonely time for some people. Helping others in their time of need can also
make your worries much smaller. Spread
the love and joy you feel to others you encounter each day. You can make a difference this holiday
season. The
holidays are meant to be enjoyed and remembered by all family members. So, try some of those ideas to help you
manage your stress. It will be the best
present you ever gave yourself.
