At Christmas, how can you cope with your child's seasonal stress?

Take the stress out of Santa season

At this time of the year you’re probably racing around the shops searching for presents in between putting up decorations, planning parties and liaising with relatives over who’s going where for the seasonal celebrations. Creating some Christmas magic for your child is in the mix too… but the reality is that children can get totally stressed out by all the rushing around and the pressure to have a good time. Follow Supernanny’s tips to keep them happy and healthy enough to have a great Christmas…

1 Send your own stress packing

Stress is guaranteed to have you snapping at your child over the smallest thing. Try to slow down and lower your expectations as far as the celebrations go. You – and your child – will enjoy yourselves much more if Mum and Dad are calm and relaxed about the whole thing. After all, more than anything your child sees this as a chance to spend time with you – which he can’t do if you’re running yourself ragged from morning until night trying to make sure everything is perfect.

2 Take time out together

Put aside your preparations and go to see a movie or for a special meal with your child. Even something as simple as a walk in the park, where you can talk about things, is a peaceful break from Christmas chaos

3 Help your child see past the celebrations

Many children get stressed by the materialism of the Christmas season. Tap into your family’s religious or cultural traditions by sitting down for ten minutes each day to talk about a tradition you follow at this time of the year. This helps young children see beyond the celebrations, to the spiritual side of Christmas. Alternately, do some volunteering together with your child at a local homeless centre, or pack gifts for children in less fortunate circumstances – log onto Operation Christmas Child for more information.

4 Involve your child

It’s all too easy for children to feel left out as you panic over getting everything ready on time. Give them a sense of purpose and involvement in the festivities by writing up a special kid ‘to do’ list. Make it enjoyable: not just Christmas chores! For instance, they could be in charge of decorating their own room or a small tree in the hallway or porch of your home; or making their own special decoration.

5 Stick to your routine

As far as possible, stick to the mealtimes and bedtimes your child is used to. Young children especially find great security in routines and your child will be reassured by knowing that some things continue to stay the same amidst the chaos!

6 Ease up on events

The pressure to be good while visiting friends and family or to be on their best behaviour when you have visitors, takes its toll. Don’t schedule social visits back-to-back, and think about getting a babysitter to stay with your children while you do some of the socialising solo.

7 Get physical

Make sure there’s some physical activity in the mix for your child: exercise promotes the release of feel-good hormones and helps relieve stress and tension. If it’s too cold to go out, check out Supernanny’s tips for having fun in the great indoors!