5 Tips to Help Moms and Kids During the Holidays
Let’s face it, as moms, we are constantly juggling. Often, it seems the juggling intensifies during the holidays. The minute we memorize everyone’s schedules, the first wave of school festivities starts. The holiday calendar fills up fast, sending extra shots of unwelcome cortisol through our veins–you know the feeling. But, it’s not just the moms whose routines get changed–and while some kids can roll with the changes, some struggle with the slightest shift in schedules.
This holiday season, our goal is to help you find joy in the juggle. With decades of experience working with children and teens, Kyra Minichan is offering useful tips to help your family juggle your schedule this holiday season.
How to Juggle the Changing Schedules
Structure and consistency provide a sense of security to children. When security is compromised, unwanted behaviors can creep in, which adds more stress for everyone involved.
For kids with learning challenges like ADHD, consistency and routine are especially critical. Because of this, it is imperative to prepare for the upcoming changes in order to find joy in the holiday hustle.
5 Tips to Help Moms and Kids this Holiday Season
- A family calendar is vital during the holidays. Kyra recommends telling your kids that any changes will be highlighted and encouraging everyone to check the calendar daily in order to communicate changes as they learn about them. Every night before bedtime, take a minute to gather the family together, make sure all changes have been made, and make this a time of gratitude. Ask everyone to share their “joy” for the day. Keep it simple and keep it real. There is no better way to end the day than with gratitude.
- R.A.K. attacks. R.A.K. stands for Random Acts of Kindness, and it’s something Kyra did with her kids when they were in school. It is a great way to teach kids that cheer finds a way of returning to them when they spread cheer. Kyra’s family would set aside 12 days during the holiday season when they made it their intention to do a random act of kindness each day. At the end of each day, they would share what they did– it is always amazing to listen to kids share the kindness that they received during that time. Don’t be surprised if your kids ask to repeat this activity yearly!
- Look for joy, and joy will find you. Take time during car rides to find things that make you happy. It may be a beautiful sunset, a quirky-looking cloud, finding a parking space close to the door in the pouring down rain, a cute dog walking in the park, or your favorite song coming on the radio. Whatever it is that makes you feel happy, tell your kids about it. That positivity spreads, and your kids can feel it.
- If it’s not a heck yes, make it a heck no, and don’t apologize. Your family will thank you for keeping it simple through the holidays. When you say no to something you are doing out of guilt or shame, you open the door to say yes to something that will better serve you and your family. It will create space for joy to seep in and calm to return. You are also modeling boundaries for your kids. Remember that the best lessons are caught, not taught, and you are showing your kids how to be less stressed too.
- Laughter is the best medicine. There is a reason that the whole dad joke craze became a vibe. Sometimes we all need to stop and laugh. Smiling releases three hormones that make you feel good when you smile: dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. When these hormones are released, they send a signal to your body that you’re happy, and in turn, you feel happier. Get creative and find ways to laugh and smile. You can even implement a funny rule for kids in elementary school–tell them that no one can leave the house without a smile on their face. On the days when one of you is not feeling it, it will be a reminder that sometimes you have to fake it until you make it–smiles included.
Specialized Plans for Your Family
Every family is different–whether you are two working parents, a stay-at-home mom, or a two-household family. No matter your situation, Kyra Minichan brings a unique approach for each family, understanding your pain points and needs and crafting a plan to best support your family.
With years of experience working with kids and teens, Kyra is able to provide parents with the solution to help their smart, but struggling child become confident, independent learners–and she doesn’t stop short of helping you through the holiday season. To discuss your child’s learning challenges, schedule a free 10-minute evaluation with Kyra here.
