Navigating the Holidays: 12 Tips for Supporting Your Child’s Well-Being

by Pardis Khosravi, PsyD, Clinical Director, Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services, CHC

The holiday season is upon us, bringing joy, festivities, and a whirlwind of activities. While it’s a time for celebration, it can also be a source of stress for children, particularly those with learning differences or mental health considerations.

As parents and caregivers, there are ways we can create a supportive environment that allows our kiddos to embrace the holiday spirit with comfort and joy.

12 tips to help you navigate the holidays with your child

1. Maintain routines

Kids thrive on routine, and the holidays can sometimes disrupt their sense of normalcy. Strive to keep elements of their regular schedule intact to provide stability amidst the festive chaos.

2. Communicate openly

Open communication is key. Explain any changes or plans for the holidays in a way that your child can understand. This helps alleviate anxiety and ensures they feel included in the festivities.

3. Manage expectations

Prepare your child for the reality that not everything will go as planned. Whether it’s a shift in sleep schedules or changes in holiday traditions, managing expectations reduces stress and fosters resilience.

4. Encourage expression

Holidays can evoke a range of emotions. Encourage your child to express their feelings through talking, drawing, or writing. Providing an outlet for their emotions can be both therapeutic and empowering.

5. Include them in preparations

Make your child an integral part of holiday preparations. Whether it’s decorating the house, baking cookies, or wrapping presents, involvement in these activities can make them feel valued and connected.

6. Create new traditions

If old traditions are disrupted, consider creating new ones. This can be an exciting way to make the holidays special while allowing for flexibility in changing circumstances.

7. Emphasize the joy of giving

Teach your child the joy of giving by involving them in charitable activities or encouraging them to create handmade gifts. Focusing on others can instill empathy and a sense of fulfillment.

8. Manage sensory overload

The holidays can be overwhelming with bright lights, loud music, and crowded spaces. Be mindful of your child’s sensory needs and provide breaks when necessary for quiet time to recharge.

9. Manage expectations (again!)

Reiterating the importance of managing expectations cannot be overstated. It’s a valuable lesson that reduces disappointment and teaches resilience.

10. Limit commitments

Avoid overloading the holiday schedule with too many activities. Prioritize and choose activities that align with your family’s values and energy levels to prevent overwhelm.

11. Offer downtime

In the midst of the hustle and bustle, schedule downtime for relaxation and free play. Just like adults, kids need moments to unwind and enjoy unstructured time.

12. Take care of yourself

Your well-being directly influences your child’s experience. Make self-care a priority, both physically and emotionally, so you can be present and supportive for your child during the holidays.

Some final thoughts

Remember, the holidays are about creating lasting memories and cherishing time with loved ones. By incorporating these tips into your holiday routine, you can ensure a positive and supportive environment for your child, fostering not only festive cheer but also emotional well-being.

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Dr. Pardis Khosravi specializes in conducting comprehensive psychological evaluations and providing evidence-based psychotherapy to children, adolescents and transitional aged youth. She is passionate about psychological assessment as a tool to best understand each child’s strengths and weaknesses to empower the child and their family to utilize their strengths to increase resiliency and optimize academic, social and emotional functioning.

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