Social-Emotional 

Supporting Children During the Holiday Season

By Fajar Farmin

Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant Lead 

Holding Hope Project 

Child Care Resources 

December 2021

 

I was recently reminded of how children experience stress during Holidays. When talking with a provider about a child’s recent increase in challenging behavior, it became clear the child was reacting to family stress related to an upcoming Holiday. It also reminded me that we know that the Holiday Season often brings many emotional reactions for children and adult family members in the Mental Health community. A few emotional reactions create states of joy, peace, comfort, excitement, anticipation. However, other reactions, like sorrow, sadness, fear, anger, and loneliness, can cause dysregulation that makes Holidays challenging for some. 

Addressing Holidays in childcare is complex given the need to value, appreciate, and include the many ways families celebrate. They were taking time to listen and learn how and what families do during this time can provide opportunities to expand your understanding of different learning experiences for the children in your care. Regardless of how you decide to look at Holidays, it will be essential to help the children manage their stress over the next month. I’ve included some ideas on how to do this below.

1. Keep routines as best you can. Build special seasonal activities into the daily schedule. For example, a snowman art activity can quickly be done within the regular artwork schedule. Children’s ability to regulate their emotions is significantly helped by knowing what happens each day.

2. Limit the number of treats during snack time or classroom parties. Many children will likely get an abundance of sugar-filled goodies at family events. Too much sugar can make it more difficult for most children to handle emotions associated with heightened energy levels.

3. This is an excellent time of year to teach the children the values of kindness and respect for differences. Invite children to do something kind to one another throughout the day. You can build this into your curriculum by exploring the words “kind” and “respect.” Create activities that involve sharing and giving.  Encourage children to share during circle time how their family celebrates during Holidays. Have conversations with parents about what traditions are practiced within their family. Find a creative way to share what you learn with the children.

4. Do what you can to manage your stress. Holding the intense emotions in some children during this time of year can be exhausting. Take extra care to get enough sleep each night. Talk with and lean on your friends, family, and co-workers when you need emotional support. Take a few minutes before the workday starts to breathe deeply and reflect on the people you are grateful for. Give yourself permission to slow down and find joy in being with the children.

5. Take a little more time to appreciate the child you know is experiencing complex life events this season. You may not have the words or a helpful strategy at the moment, but you do know how to love and care for the children in your room. This can go a long way to helping children during difficult times.

If you have a child in your care who is having a difficult time during the holidays and would like to discuss this with your Holding Hope Team, please feel free to reach out. You can contact me at Holdinghope@childcare.org or Farimin@childcare.org

 

 

For Adults: Holiday can also be overwhelming and stressful for adult caregivers. For some of us, Holidays can bring a lot of heavy feelings and emotions. Please remember that it is also essential for us to take care and be kind to ourselves during this Holiday Season.

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Holiday Stress

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7 Ways to Prevent Holiday Stress – For your Children; https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/7-ways-prevent-holiday-stress-children-2017112812809

Remembering the "me" in Merry: Self-Care Strategies for this Holiday Season; https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/self-care-strategies-holiday-season-2017121812926

What We Can Continue to Learn from Fred Rogers; https://www.fredrogerscenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/December-2017.pdf

 

For Adults Caregivers

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Maintaining Mental Health During the Holiday Season (And a Pandemic); https://namica.org/blog/handling-stress-during-the-holiday-season/

Psychology Professor Provides Tips to Navigate Holyday Season Stress; https://news.syr.edu/blog/2021/11/17/psychology-professor-provides-tips-to-navigate-holiday-season-stress/

The Holiday Blues: Professional Tips on How to Come; https://www.psychology.org/resources/the-holiday-blues-how-to-cope/

Stress, Depression and the Holidays: Tips for Coping; https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544

 

Holiday Safety

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Keeping Children Safe This Holiday Season; https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/keeping-children-safe-this-holiday-season-2017121212911

Anti-Bias and Holidays:

Anti-Bias Education and Holidays: Making Thoughtful Decisions; https://www.naeyc.org/resources/blog/anti-bias-and-holidays

Children who have lost a loved one:

NACG Holiday Toolkit: Supporting Grieving Children During the Season of Family; https://childrengrieve.org/resources/holiday-toolkit

The Right Place When Nothing Feels Right; https://www.dougy.org/

Children in foster care:

Helping Young People in Foster Care Through the Holidays; http://nc.casaforchildren.org/files/public/community/volunteers/HelpYouthInFC-Holidays.pdf

Anti-Bias and Holidays

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Anti-Bias Education and Holidays: Making Thoughtful Decisions; https://www.naeyc.org/resources/blog/anti-bias-and-holidays

Children who have lost a loved one:

NACG Holiday Toolkit: Supporting Grieving Children During the Season of Family; https://childrengrieve.org/resources/holiday-toolkit

The Right Place When Nothing Feels Right; https://www.dougy.org/

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Children in Foster Care

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Helping Young People in Foster Care Through the Holidays; http://nc.casaforchildren.org/files/public/community/volunteers/HelpYouthInFC-Holidays.pdf

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Learning for Justice; https://www.learningforjustice.org/about

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