12.21.04
Helping Kids Get Through 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: “ . . . if a child is of early school age or even preschool, it may have an impact because of major changes in schedule, whether that means not going to school, not going to preschool, more relatives coming in, etc. So there is a fair degree of disruption. I think there is also a lot of hype about the holidays.”

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 about gifts for the child.

SOUND BITE: “ . . . it is not going to have a major negative ramification on the parent/child relationship if the child does not get a certain desired toy. If that is indeed the case, there is obviously some other things going on in that relationship that need to be addressed. I also think that keeping a kid on a schedule as much as possible would be helpful.”

Aylward advises parents to spend quality time with their children and establish family traditions such as reading holiday books, enjoying special dinners, and gift exchanges. He recommends helping children develop the “spirit of giving.” Children also can participate in selecting and giving gifts to charitable programs.

If your child’s behavior becomes more disruptive or doesn’t return to normal soon after the holidays, you may need to see your family doctor or a childhood counselor.