10 Ways to Avoid A Holiday Meltdown
Holidays are a happy time for parents and kids, but they can also be stressful. This can lead to a holiday meltdown sometimes.
Holidays get kids thinking about Christmas lists, the presents they want from Santa, family gatherings, parties with friends, and entertaining their young guests. All this to-do is natural—and even fun—but it can also cause holiday stress in kids who haven’t learned how to manage themselves around all of these activities. Or children who struggle with sensory overload.
Luckily, you can take some simple steps if your child tends to feel overwhelmed during holidays. Here’s how you can help your kid stay calm this year and avoid a meltdown:
1. Start preparing your child early by helping him make a list of things he needs for school or daycare.
That way, he’ll be prepared when it’s time to pack his backpack or lunchbox. Also, try packing the night before to relieve any morning time stress and a meltdown.
2. Take holidays one day at a time.
Focus on the fun activities you’ll do each day rather than worrying about future parties and gatherings.
3. Create some holiday traditions with your kids, so they look forward to rules and know what to expect.
For example, before bedtime, read Christmas books or sing along with holiday carols as part of your family’s nightly routine. When your child knows what to expect, you can avoid a meltdown.
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4. If your child is worried about a gift-giving occasion such as a birthday party, help him understand how these holidays work.
Then give him a few ideas of gifts that would be fun to receive, such as some new crayons or a book for the birthday kid.
5. If you’re hosting an event at home, let your kids participate in the decorating, so they keep some ownership over it.
Let them help bake holiday treats with you or have them select their favorite tree ornament to hang on the tree. Not only will these activities get your kids excited about holidays—they’ll also make holidays feel more special to them.
6. Plan ahead, so holidays go off without any major hassles.
Figure out where you want to shop for groceries and presents, start shopping early, and prepare weeks in advance. If you wait until the last minute, chances are your stress level will increase.
Don’t overbook your schedule or your child’s schedule.
Keep holidays as stress-free as possible, so everyone stays happy and peaceful. If you overbook your schedule, changes are stress will be a prominent feeling during the Holidays, not peace.
7. Don’t give your child too many expectations over Holidays.
Instead, allow holidays to be a time where kids can have fun without worrying about expectations. Of course, you can still expect your child to behave how they know they are supposed to, but by lowering the workload, you will allow a more peaceful atmosphere to take place.
8. Encourage older kids and teens to help with holiday preparations such as gift wrapping, cooking, or setting up the tree.
But make sure you let them know these activities are optional—not mandatory. That way, they’ll feel like holidays are still enjoyable even if they don’t want to jump in with both feet.
9. If you’re hosting a gathering at your home, help your child understand what’s expected of them and how they can help.
For example, for younger kids, you might explain that they can bring a gift for each guest and place it under the tree with their name on it. Encourage older kids and teens to help with party planning or hosting duties such as decorating and cooking.
10. Remember holidays are about spending time together with friends and family, everything doesn’t have to be perfect.
The memories made are what are essential during the Holidays!
Let holidays be a time where your kid can relax and enjoy himself without feeling any pressure.
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By following these tips, holidays will feel more harmonious for both you and your kid – regardless of his age!
Be sure to read my top posts on parenting:
- Why Consistent Parenting Matters
- 12 Habits of Immensely Peaceful Moms
- 63 Mom Hacks That Are Pure Genius
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Hi there, I’m Jenna! I am a devoted mommy and wife. As well as an advocate for children and creating a peaceful atmosphere for those we love. I co-wrote Faith Actually: Living Life After Tragedy with my husband. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and currently working toward my Master’s in Positive Psychology. My number one desire is to create a peaceful home life for my family. My second desire is to share with you the tips I learn along the way!