By Amy Baskin

Director of Community Services and Communications

The holidays are upon us and with the joy and excitement come the potential for stress and anxiety. Handling holiday stress will help families enjoy each other and the holidays much more. Here are some stress tips have been compiled by ECFE Licensed Parent Educator Cassie Boettcher:

1. Discuss holiday plans well in advance and let kids participate in decisions to the extent possible. Kids need some degree of predictability.

2. If traveling, leave plenty of extra time and bring child friendly snacks, books, games and music.

3. Don’t over-schedule. You may not be able to do everything or see everyone. Kids can easily get “burned out,” overtired and cranky during the holidays.

4. Give kids some “downtime.” Leave room for some quiet activities like listening to music, playing quietly with a favorite toy or reading a book.

5. Make sure you and your children get plenty of sleep. While it may be exciting to stay up late, lack of sleep often leads to increased irritability.

6. Uphold and maintain family traditions even if a parent or family member is absent. Kids count on certain traditions.

7. Don’t try and compensate for an absent parent or family member with extra gifts or toys. What most kids want is

8. Take care of yourself. Try and avoid getting overloaded with obligations. If you feel stressed it increases the pressure and tension on your children.

Often times getting that “right” toy creates stress. There are lots of non-toy gift ideas that your kids will love. Season passes to the zoo, museum or amusement park gives you a whole year of fun. Passes to movies, bowling, theater performances, roller skating or a concert provides a future opportunity for a fun family outing. Plan a family camping trip or a special night at a hotel with a pool. Other great ideas are books, board games, craft or science kits, a memory photo book or journal.

The holidays are about family gatherings and creating memories. Don’t let the hassle of the shopping, visiting or baking overwhelm you and your family this season. Take time to enjoy each other and the time you have together.

Happy Holidays!