Risks for Children
Children can get stressed-out, too.
The reasons are simple.
First, children of all ages are remarkably attuned to the stress levels of their parents. From infants to adolescents, stressed-out parents can cause stressed-out children.
Second, children often expect too much from the season. Younger children may expect Santa to bring that expensive toy they asked for, even though money is tight in the family. Older children hope the family will get together and get along, even though they never do at any other time of the year.
Parents can assure that their children have a low stress holiday season, and happy childhood memories, by setting an even pace through the hectic weeks, spending time with their children, establishing holiday traditions that emphasize the true meaning of the season and understanding that the age of their children has a lot to do with the type of stress they will experience.
The signs
It's hard for adults to know when they are under stress, harder still for children. Some common signs are:
• Unexplained aches and pains, especially neck or backaches
• Pounding heart
• Restlessness
• Difficulty sleeping or trouble staying awake
• Irritability
• Withdrawal from social situations previously enjoyed
In an older child this last symptom may be a sign of depression as well as stress.
If any of these symptoms surface, try to minimize stress and to determine what's bothering them. In older children, talk to them. If the problem seems serious, consult a professional. While it's a small risk, the added stress of holidays on people - young as well as older - who already suffer from depression, can be fatal.
Ways of reducing kids' stress
• Stick to their regular routine as much as possible, especially waking and bed times in smaller children
• Make sure small children get enough exercise and eat healthy foods.
• Avoid putting small children in situations that can stress you out, such as long shopping trips, especially when malls are crowded.
• Enlist your children's help in holiday planning, preparation and chores. This will give them a feeling of being in control, an important stress-reducer at any age.
• Help children cope with disappointment and change. Encourage them to express their feelings, especially if there has been trauma in the family in the past year, such as the loss of a parent or grandparent or divorce.
• Focus on holiday traditions that emphasize the true meaning of the holidays.
Read more practical
tips from parents on how to minimize stress in children.
