So what can parents do? How can we help our children process pressures to protect their mental health and emotional well-being?<\/p>\n
Communicate Expectations<\/strong> \u201cKids love to know what to expect,\u201d Ashley Pagenkopf, MS, CCLS, child life specialist in Cook Children\u2019s Emergency Department, said. \u201cEstablishing realistic expectations is the most practical tip I would offer to families. Kids thrive with boundaries and expectations.\u201d<\/p>\n When visiting family and friends or even hosting a holiday reunion at home, communicating with kids about who they may meet is important.<\/p>\n \u201cA huge help for kids is to have video chats with family members and friends they will see in advance,\u201d Lisa Elliott, Ph.D., psychologist and manager of\u00a0Cook Children\u2019s Behavioral Health Clinic in Denton<\/a>, suggests. \u201cFor littles, even reading books to them over video chat is a great way to engage them.\u201d<\/p>\n Let your children know that feeling anxious around unfamiliar people is normal. Staying together as a family can help kids feel safe, and it\u2019s important to remind them they can speak up if they feel uncomfortable or need a break from social gatherings.<\/p>\n Practice Self-Care<\/strong> \u201cKids are very good at reading adult emotions even if they are not verbally expressed, so if you are stressed out, it\u2019s likely your child is anxious as well,\u201d\u00a0Cook Children\u2019s psychiatrist Akemi Watkins, M.D.,<\/a>\u00a0said. \u201cIt\u2019s like the safety message on airplanes where you have to put the oxygen mask on yourself first before your child.\u201d<\/p>\n Simple self-care practices can significantly enhance parents\u2019 well-being. Prioritizing sleep, nutritious meals and regular exercise can make a big difference. For more information about self-care for parents, Cook Children\u2019s has a\u00a0<\/strong>guide of resources listed here.<\/a><\/p>\n Focus on Connection<\/strong> \u201cI\u2019ve had multiple kids share their favorite family traditions,\u201d Dr. Elliot said. \u201cExperiences like taking baked goods, lotions or other treats to a nursing home, helping in a soup kitchen serving holiday meals and even adopting a family and going shopping together for them.\u201d<\/p>\n The holiday season presents an opportunity to teach children about generosity \u2013 a concept that studies show actually improves mental health. Doing things for others makes you feel good \u2013 emotionally and physically.<\/p>\n It also promotes empathy and resilience, which are important building blocks to emotional and mental strength and coping skills that help children deal with challenges.<\/p>\n
\nPlanning ahead and explaining arrangements can help prepare kids for traveling, adjusting routines, meeting new people and more.<\/p>\n
\nManaging family anxiety often begins with parents addressing their own stress.<\/p>\n
\nOne of the best ways to reduce holiday stress is to focus on connection. Finding ways to bring family and friends together can be fun and meaningful.<\/p>\nTo learn more about stress-related issues go to stress.org<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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