Holiday time can be stressful for children
By Kathleen Vaillancourt, Hanscom Family Advocacy Office
/ Published December 10, 2002
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. (AFPN) -- As the holidays approach, parents are not the only ones who feel the demands of the season.
Children also feel a rising anxiety as visitors, holiday events and marathon shopping outings disrupt their normal routines. Military families may have added stressors by having a family member deployed or getting ready for an impending separation, by long work hours and by distance from extended family.
Children are sensitive to their parents' feelings and can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. Little ones are especially in danger of over-stimulation. Too much "fun" can upset children who may become grouchy and restless.
Listed below are some tips that may help children better cope with the holidays:
-- Try keeping to a regular schedule for meals, naps and bedtime.
-- Involve your child in holiday preparations. Even the youngest child can put bows on gifts or cut out a sugar cookie. It makes them feel important and teaches them about family traditions.
-- Children can become distressed during new activities so talk to your child beforehand about visits to Santa, outings or parties. Help prepare your child for visitors by bringing out the photo album and identifying the people he or she will be spending time with.
-- Limit sugar and snacks.
-- When it becomes obvious that your child has had enough excitement, remember to have quiet activities ready like soft music, storybooks, puzzles and quiet games to play. If you can't find a quiet spot, bundle up and go for a walk.
-- Deployed? Letters, phone calls and e-mail messages can help to keep you close. Read a holiday children's book and record or videotape it for your child's bedtime story.
Where children are concerned, keep it simple. Don't forget to reinforce good behavior with lots of hugs, kisses and praise. The greatest gift you can give your child this holiday season is the gift of your time, attention and love. (Courtesy of Air Force Materiel Command News Service)