COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- While it’s considered the most wonderful time of the year, for many parents and children, the holidays can also be a time of stress.
Adults aren't the only ones who have to deal with the holiday stress. Around the holidays, parents can often take their children to things they may not be all that familiar with, like visiting a relative’s house or shopping for long periods of time.
“The holidays are lots of fun, but they're just filled with all of these experiences that can be new and stressful for our children,” said Kate Roush, an assistant clinical professor for Ohio State’s College of Social Work.
Roush says one thing that can cause anxiety is the break of a child’s normal routine during the holiday time.
“Any time for kids that meals are off, bedtime is off, they don't do the typical things they would do on a day, that's an added stressor for them and for us as caregivers,” Roush said.
Roush believes that there are a few key things that can make it easier for families. The first is helping your children understand what to expect when attending a holiday gathering.
“We're putting our kids in situations that really just aren't developmentally appropriate, so for example, you may have two choir concerts, a holiday party and a fun outing to the ice rink," she said. "That's a lot for a little one who typically is home and in bed by eight most evenings. So really thinking about can you go? But can you limit the time at that situation?"
The second key is setting reasonable goals and having age-appropriate conversations.
"For little ones, you might say something like ‘sleeps.’ 'We're going to be at grandma's house for three "‘sleeps."' For an older child who's, say, nine or ten, you can be a little more clear. 'We're going for six days and five nights,' for example,” Roush said.
She wants families to know that they aren’t alone in situations like that. In fact, she says it’s pretty common. She recommends talking with friends, family and even looking into parenting support classes.
“All of our kids are going to struggle at some point or another with transitions and things that are out of routine. They may be fine one year and the same experience the next year is a little more challenging for them,” Roush said.
She says it’s better to be proactive instead of reactive, adding that communication is key to having a good time.
