Staying Calm During the Holiday Break: 4 Ways to Manage Stress
Guest: Caroline Polian, third year undergraduate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
School breaks are a great time to create family memories, but it can also be overwhelming for parents. Between keeping kids entertained or organizing family travel plans, it is easy for parents to quickly experience burn out. Here are four simple ways to make the most out of the holidays:
Set Realistic Expectations: School holidays often bring changes in schedules and unpredictability, it is important for parents to remember that the break is not going to be flawless. Your days will likely not be filled with multiple picture-perfect activities - and that is all okay. The break does not have to be perfect to create meaningful memories! Aim for spending time together instead of forcing big events or activities.
Set Boundaries: You know your family best. It is easy to rely on screen time, especially on rough days, but try to encourage physical play or reading to avoid overstimulation. More time sitting in front of the screen can actually increase hyperactivity. Keeping your child on their normal schedule will help with their adjustment back to school, too. Consider setting time for learning and reading, play, meals, and snacks. Also, when spending time with extended family or friends, make sure they are aware of your priorities and safety needs for your kids.
Prioritize Self-Care: As a parent, school breaks often revolve around making your family happy. Take a minute to take care of yourself so that you are actually able to enjoy the break. Examples include journaling, exercising, resting, or eating a healthy meal. Breaks are also a great time to build community. Shared child care is a great and inexpensive way to reset.
Plan Ahead: Before the school break rush begins, create a plan that will fit your family’s needs. Ask yourself questions such as:
What local areas will be open, closed, or crowded?
If traveling, how will we all stay safe? As a reminder, your child needs to be removed from their car seat every two hours to make sure they don’t overheat and can move around. Your family should stay in a childproof space; talk to your relatives or hotels to make sure your child will be safe.