One of the most difficult seasons to help regulate children is during the holidays. Often all the holiday busyness of the family with all the events of the holidays can cause a lot of dysregulation in your child. The excitement, anticipation, lack of sleep, changing schedules and so much more can all make it difficult to keep our kids in a balanced emotional and relational state.
It can be easy to be impatient. After all they expectant of all the gift getting, visitors, sugary foods, vacation from school and generally all around just having fun!
“What do they have to be out of sorts about?” we might ask. If we were able to cogently ask them, they probably would not even know that they are dysregulated. Often children lack judgement, are impulsive and egocentric. We do not understand that they are still developing in their maturity and character. Sometimes we have to be their source of regulation for them so they can have the balance they need.
In an article written by parent coach, Nicole Schwarz, she offers a few tips for helping kids regulate during the holidays. As she describes the issues our kids are struggling with during the holidays she states,
Unfortunately, our kids are at a disadvantage.
They are still in the process of learning how to self-regulate. Knowing how to stay cool under pressure and be calm when a big wave of emotion hits.
This learning curve may mean big meltdowns, overwhelming anxiety, an overabundance of energy, and an increase in power struggles. Especially this time of year.
She then lists some tips for parents which are helpful in this season of chaos. Here is the link to her article.
I might add that we also can utilize some brain regulating activities to their everyday routine. Exercise, body movement, rocking, dancing, fidgets, hugging, wrapping up in a blanket, calming affirmation and other soothing activities like focused attention on them can help bring regulation and calm to a busy and chaotic holiday.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
