Parenting Tips For Stress-Free Holidays



The holidays are a joyous time when loved ones come together to share
traditions and to celebrate. But for many families, the holidays can also be a
time of stress and frustration.



For too many parents, the holidays increase stress levels because of extra
demands on their time, money and energy. To minimize your frustration, it's
best to reduce unnecessary stress by planning ahead.



Here are some tips to help families enjoy the holidays while keeping tension to
a minimum:



1. Establish a budget for holiday spending. Be realistic about what you can
afford to spend on gifts, entertainment, decorations for the home, special
foods, travel, etc.



2. Hold a family meeting to discuss holiday plans. Ask for ideas from the
children for family activities that would appeal to them.



3. Post a calendar of family activities in a place where all family members
will see it. Ask each person to remind you of school events, church activities,
parties, etc.



4. Remind children that a gift's importance is not determined by the amount of
money spent on it. Handmade gifts and freshly baked cookies are welcome and
appreciated by friends and relatives.



5. Check community calendars and local lists of events to find inexpensive or
free activities forchildren. Write all possibilities on individual slips of
brightly colored paper and put them in a _holiday fun jar._ When children have
been especially cooperative with other family members, allow them to choose a
slip of paper from the jar. Then, the family can enjoy an afternoon of skating,
sledding or other fun activity together.



6. Have your children make a list of elderly or shut-in neighbors in your area.
Plan to share a meal, some of your time, or run errands for these neighbors.
Explain to children that helping and sharing are important elements of special
holidays.



7. Find time to relax and reflect on the simple joys of the holidays. When you
feel yourself becoming overwhelmed, take a break to get a better perspective on
what needs to be done and what can be done.



8. If you find that your stress level is becoming difficult to avoid then STOP.
Don't take out your anger on your kids. Instead, try the following:



· Take a deep breath and count to 20.

· Phone a friend.

· Take a walk outside, or use another form of exercise.

· Laugh. Even a comedy show on television will help relieve stress.

· Spend one hour doing something you really enjoy.

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