Five Counties Children's Centre shares tips on keeping the holidays happy
Northumberland County
Five Counties Children's Centre has shared some tips on keeping the happiest – and the most hectic – time of the year a manageable one for your family.
For families awash in holiday cheer – and stress – Five Counties Children's Centre offers a simple phrase – celebrating the season can still be merry and bright when it's managed right.
Five Counties, which serves families in Northumberland County, has issued a handy guide to putting “happy” back into the holidays. Occupational Therapist Nicole Captain said it all boils down to keeping things simple, sticking to structure, going back to basics and staying flexible.
Parents and caregivers often feel guilty and pressured to have the picture-perfect holiday that they see on social media or in the movies, but that isn't always the reality,” she said.
Captain – who works in school-based rehabilitation services, providing occupational therapy to students and often discussing self-regulation with classes - shared some tips that may make a difference.
The holidays bring excitement, anticipation and altered routines, and there are simple ways to help children cope with the changes by helping them prepare for what's ahead.
A visual schedule or calendar helps children see what is being planned – what day they leave for a family visit, for example, or what day school vacation begins.
As you schedule activities, include breaks or down time to allow the whole family to self-regulate and recharge.
If travelling is in the plans, photos or maps can help prepare kids for where they are going and whom they will meet.
Discuss holiday plans as a family to help manage change and expectation. This can also be a chance to build buy-in by helping children select activities everyone can enjoy.
Control stress and disruption by eating well, staying well hydrated, getting enough rest and sticking to sleep schedules.
It's the perfect time of year to unplug and make meaningful connections by spending time together as a family. This can include screen time as a family, but try to avoid devices too close to bedtime to avoid overstimulation that can affect a child's sleep.
Work in some outdoor fun – run around in the snow, plan a scavenger hunt, design a snow fort, build a snowman, see how many animals you can spot.
When the weather is frightful, indoor fun might include an obstacle course or an interactive activity like assembling a jigsaw puzzle.
“Pick what works for your family, and do what you can – and happy holidays can be within our reach,” Captain said.
For more information, visit www.fivecounties.on.ca/happy-holiday-tips/
