Maintaining Routines: Balancing Festivity and Structure for Kids During The Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time when children are home from school, and can be filled with family activities, holiday decorations, and joyful celebrations. However, the excitement can disrupt the typical routine that provides children with a sense of security and stability. Balancing festivity and structure during the holiday season is essential for your child's well-being.
The Importance of Routines
Children thrive on routines and structure. A consistent schedule helps them understand what to expect, which can reduce anxiety and behavioral issues.
- A regular routine with daily activities, chores, and expectations provides a comforting foundation amidst the often unpredictable schedules during the holiday season.
- Experts agree that maintaining child routines supports emotional regulation and promotes positive behavior.
Adjusting Daily Activities & Making Holidays Plans
Incorporate holiday activities into your child's daily schedule without completely abandoning their regular routine.
- Blend holiday events with daily activities to create a balanced holiday routine.
- Schedule specific family activities like decorating or cooking/baking during times when your child is usually participating in activities that are on pause for the holiday season.
When organizing holiday plans, consider your child's need for routine.
- While some deviation is inevitable, try to plan events around key routine elements like meals and naps.
- Explain the day's schedule to your child so they know what to expect. Sometimes creating a visual can be extra helpful, and they can even help you color it!
- Let your child participate in planning to give them a sense of control. A little bit of choice, such as letting the child choose which decoration to put up next, can go a long way!
Maintaining Consistent Bedtime Routines
Sleep is crucial for a child's development, and disruptions in routine can lead to mood fluctuation or hyperactivity.
- Provide expectations to the best of your ability so children can know when to wind down for bedtime. Aim to keep bedtime routines as similar as possible to what’s typical, even during holiday excitement.
- Include calming activities like reading a holiday story or gentle stretching to support your child’s mood.
Balancing Free Time and Family Activities
With school holidays comes increased free time, which can be helpful and sometimes challenging. There are some steps you can take to balance out free time to support your child’s well-being.
- Limit screen time to help your child engage in other activities during their free time.
- Encourage your child to play outside to get out any extra energy and promote physical health.
- Plan indoor activities that stimulate the mind and foster family bonding, such as puzzles or family-friendly board games.
Preventing Sensory Overload
Holiday decorations, lights, and crowds can be overwhelming, with all the different noises, sights, and smells. This can lead to sensory overload for some children, which may result in tantrumming or shutting down.
- Recognize signs, like irritability or withdrawal when environments become overwhelming. Let your child know some things can make us feel overwhelmed and that you are there to help them feel better.
- Create a calm area at home where your child can retreat if needed. You can also help problem-solve what your child needs if they become overwhelmed in public by taking them to a quiet area and talking to them.
- Plan family outings to potentially overwhelming spaces during less busy times to minimize stress. This could look like organizing your trip to Rockefeller Center during the week rather than a weekend when it could be much busier.
Enjoying the Holiday While Maintaining Structure
Balancing festivity and routine doesn't mean the holidays can't be enjoyable!
- Establish new traditions that fit within your routines, like a nightly holiday-themed bedtime story. These small additions can be really fun for kids!
- Focus on family time that reinforces bonds without overstimulating your child. This could look like having a cup of hot chocolate in your own home!
- Praise your child for adapting to changes and participating in family activities. Letting them know that even fun things can be hard sometimes will help them lean on you if they need support during the holidays.
In summary, maintaining routines during the holiday season is crucial for your child's comfort and happiness. By blending routines and structure with the joy of holiday festivities, you ensure that your child enjoys this special time without becoming overwhelmed. Remember, the goal is to create a balance that allows for memorable family experiences while supporting your child's need for consistency.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can help your child navigate the excitement of the holidays with confidence and joy. Wishing your family a joyful holiday season!
For more information on MPG's support options for parents and children, contact us.
