Christmas Stress

Christmas is almost here. Time to decorate the Christmas tree, bake cookies and shop for presents. The sound of Christmas music can be heard everywhere you turn. But if you listen carefully, you'll hear more than just Christmas carols. You'll hear children crying and "melting down" right and left! Just like adults, children can become stressed at this time of year too.

As parents, we want the holidays to be special and happy for everyone, especially the children. But what many parents fail to remember is that the holiday season can be a time of hustle and bustle...and a never-ending whirlwind of stress for their children.

You can help your children lessen holiday stress by following these tips:

• Remember routines -During the holidays children will often find their routines disrupted. They may be staying at Grandma's house, or traveling long periods of time. They are often dragged along on shopping trips or taken to events over which they have no control. Lack of routine often causes stress for children.
  
  
• Nutrition - It is easy to get out of the routine of healthy eating at this time of year. This is true of adults and children as well. Often, you'll be traveling or celebrating at someone else's home. Remember to help your children eat something healthy, along with those special Christmas treats. Sometimes it may be wise to pack a small "survival" bagged lunch with some of their favorite, healthy foods.
  
  
• Family traditions - Family traditions offer great comfort and security for children when everything in their lives is being disrupted by the holiday season. Remember to create and honor the traditions you've established as a family. Don't let busyness disrupt this important part of a child's life.
  
  
• Limit TV and video games - With no school, and extra time on their hands, it is easy for children to turn to TV and video games for entertainment, especially if Mom and Dad are busy buying and wrapping gifts, addressing Christmas cards, and entertaining guests. Remember that children need physical exercise to help them relieve some of their energy and stress.
  
  
• Attitude check - Children need to be reminded to refocus on what is truly important about the holiday season. Sometimes it may be necessary to take a break from activities and "readjust" the attitude of your family. Make it a family goal to center your attention on the joy and hope that is Christmas.
  
  
• Rest and relaxation - Don't forget to take a "time out" over the holiday season to rest and relax. Remember, everyone is more pleasant to be with when well-rested and relaxed.