Parents are learning how to make the holidays fun and productive for their families.
So much holiday advice out there focus on what well-off families can do to make their holidays better this year.
Let’s not forget about the families going through hardships of their own: divorces, death, financial instabilities.
For these families, especially the ones with tweens and teens, the holidays can be much more difficult to deal with.
According to the American Psychological Association, 45% of teens and 26% of tweens said they were under more stress this year, compared to last year.
The worst part? Less than a third of parents noticed this increase in stress levels.
From Charlotte Reznick, an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychology at UCLA, you can address your kids’ stress levels by following these 7 holiday stress-reducing strategies…
1. Visualize a heart-filled holiday.
Get together as a family and have everyone share what would fill their hearts with joy this holiday.
2. Breathing does the mind good.
Yes, the holidays are one of the most hectic times of the year…but you can totally put aside 5 minutes of your time to do some deep breathing. Research has proven that deep, calm breathing on a regular basis can help lower stress levels.
3. Bring distress to life…
In the form of drawings. As kids approach their teenage years, it’s often difficult for them to voice their feelings. Give your kids another alternative – have them draw (or write!) out what’s them stress. This gives you a chance to better understand what they’re going through.
4. Sweat up a storm.
Exercise. Running isn’t the only option here. You can dance or take a walk. Whatever it is, make sure the entire family is doing it, too.
5. “Blow out negativity, light up hope.”
This is an interesting idea that just might work. Give two candles for each member, one lit and one unlit. Go around and have each member say what they want to get rid of this year (personality-wise), and something positive they want to make a habit for the next year.
6. Start the holidays early…
By starting a list of why the family is grateful for each other. Build on this list as the holidays approach. By the time the holidays are over, each family member will have a list full of love!
7. “Spread the joy around.”
Help others – volunteer at a homeless shelter or make a trip to the police station to donate toys. This will give your kids a new perspective on what the holidays mean. At the end they’ll feel useful and needed.
7 Holiday Stress Busters For Kids [Psychology Today]
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