The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. But for many, it can also be a stressful time. Between shopping for gifts, preparing meals, attending social gatherings, and navigating family dynamics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. For some, there is the added stress of grief during the holidays. This stress can sometimes spill over and affect our children. Fortunately, there are practical ways to manage stress that allow the joy of the season to shine through.
Check out KITS’ 10 tips for handling stress in ways that foster stability for our children this holiday season:
1. Prioritize Open Communication
It’s important to talk to kids about stress in a way that is age-appropriate. Explaining that everyone has challenging days, but that there are strategies to feel better, helps normalize stress and gives children tools to manage their own emotions. Reassure them that it’s okay to feel upset or anxious and that they can always talk to you when they feel that way.
2. Create a Stress-Free Zone
Designate certain areas as “stress-free zones.” For example, the dinner table can be a place where no stressful topics are discussed. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of the day, share laughs, or enjoy light-hearted conversation. When kids associate certain places with relaxation and peace, it helps them feel safe and buffered from external stresses.
3. Model Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Children learn by observing the behaviors of the adults in their lives. If they see us managing stress with mindfulness, self-care, and resilience, they’re more likely to adopt similar strategies. For example, take deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed, express your emotions calmly, or take time for a short walk to clear your mind. This teaches kids that it’s normal to experience stress and that it can be managed in a healthy way.
4. Practice Self-Care Regularly
Adults often neglect self-care because of busy schedules, but regular self-care is essential for emotional health. Whether it’s exercising, reading, knitting, or simply taking a warm bath, make sure to carve out time for yourself. By keeping yourself mentally and physically healthy, you’ll have more energy to handle life’s stresses without letting them extend into your relationship with your kids.
5. Use Positive Distractions
When stress levels are high, sometimes the best thing to do is engage in a positive distraction with your children. Play a game, sing karaoke, do a craft, bake together, or take a walk outside. Hygge anyone? These activities not only help reduce your stress but also create bonding moments that can shift both your and your child’s mood, providing a much-needed break from tense emotions.
6. Maintain (or Establish) Routines for Stability
Children thrive on routine, as it provides a sense of security and predictability. When life feels chaotic or uncertain, routines—whether it’s meal times, bedtime rituals, exercise, or family time—can offer stability and comfort. Sticking to a routine helps children feel safe and reduces anxiety, even if they sense stress around them.
8. Practice Gratitude Together
One of the easiest ways to shift the mood is by practicing gratitude. Taking a few minutes each day to reflect on the positive aspects of life can help reduce stress and anxiety. Encourage your children to share one thing they are thankful for every day. Gratitude helps both adults and children shift focus from what’s stressing them out to what’s going well, fostering a more positive and grounded mindset.
9. Seek Support When Needed
Before stress becomes unmanageable, seek support from a therapist, counselor, or support group. Talking through your feelings with a professional can help you gain perspective, develop healthier coping strategies, and better manage your stress before it starts to affect your family dynamics. Encourage your children to seek support when they’re stressed—whether it’s through a school counselor or a trusted adult—to help them to approach stress in a healthy, proactive way.
10. Give Yourself Grace
Finally, it’s essential to recognize that we all go through rough times when we would have liked to have handled things in a more positive way. That’s okay. Give yourself grace, and allow yourself to be human. Just as you model healthy coping strategies, showing your children that everyone has tough days and even parents and teachers make mistakes can also help them develop resilience and self-compassion.
Stress is inevitable, and how we manage it can have a big impact—especially for our children. Taking care of ourselves, communicating openly, and fostering a supportive, structured environment in the home or classroom will go a long way in preventing our stress from affecting our children, while also teaching them invaluable lessons that will last a lifetime. So, this holiday season, take a deep breath, be kind to yourself, and make space for the joy and magic that the season brings.
