During the holidays, it’s not just adults who feel stressed, some children do as well, especially those with an absent family member. The APA offers some useful tips to minimize the impact.

· Make sure kids get plenty of rest. While it may be exciting to stay up late, lack of sleep often leads to increased irritability.

· Don’t promise things you can’t produce. For example, don’t promise a parent will be home in time for the holidays if the decision is really out of your control.

· Don’t try and compensate for an absent family member with lots of gifts. What most kids really want is your time and attention.

· Uphold and maintain family traditions even if a parent is absent. Kids count on certain traditions. They can have an important grounding effect by letting kids know that even though some things have changed, other things have remained the same.

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» Psych Central News - Holiday Stress and Children - Sly’s Mental Illness Blog (12/19/2006)

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 11 Dec 2006
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