12.23.03
Topic: Helping Kids get through the stress of the Holidays

All the excitement and interruption of a child's routine during the Holidays can bring added stress for children and sometimes cause behavioral problems.

The Holidays are portrayed as a magical time of year, but stress and pressure from shopping, extra activities and high expectations can impact interactions between a parent and child. Glen Aylward, professor of pediatrics at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, explains why behavioral problems sometimes occur during this season.

SOUND BITE: " . . . for all children, there are a variety of changes that occur, which include changes in schedules, particularly they have more free time because they're out of school. There is definitely less structure in the child's routine. There's a lot of excitement, anticipation, media blitz, and in general there's a more hurried lifestyle. As a result, the parents are also stressed as are children."

Aylward encourages parents to make the holidays more fun and less stressful, which will make their child's behaviors more acceptable. He says parents need to set realistic expectations for themselves and for the child.

SOUND BITE: "They have to realize that if they don't get the child the super toy of the year that the child is not going to dislike them. There is not going to be a disruption in the parent-child interaction. What happens on the other 364 days of the year is much, much more important."

Aylward advises parents to spend quality time with their children and establish family traditions such as reading holiday books, enjoying special meals, and gift exchange ceremonies. He recommends helping children develop the "spirit of giving" and being altruistic. Children can participate in selecting and giving gifts to charitable programs and helping in community breadlines or missions for the needy. If your child's behavior is disruptive or doesn't return to normal soon after the holidays, you may need to see your family doctor or a childhood counselor.