Family Law

De-Stressing Christmas

By J. Benjamin Stevens

Christmas, with its array of bright colors, unfamiliar faces and loud noises; may cause overstimulation in young children. Make the season more enjoyable with these easy-to-implement ideas:

• Spread out the festivities. Open presents a few at a time. Don't cram all your celebrating into a single day. Consider visiting grandparents in early December or January.
• Change scenery. If your child needs a break from loud noises, take him for a walk, if weather permits. Your child will benefit from one-on-one time with you.
• Interpret the season. Unfamiliar activities crowd the December calendar.
• Schedule familiar activities such as attending a Christmas Eve service or baking a birthday cake for Jesus.
• Make a contingency plan. If you celebrate with a large group, find a quiet place when your youngster gets fretful. Bring some books, music or other quiet activities.

Source:  "De-Stressing Christmas" by Darlene Franklin, published in the Focus on the Family Bulletin (December 2010).

Full post as published by SC Family Law Blog on December 15, 2010 (boomark / email).