It’s the beginning of December and everyone and everything seems to be in a hurry. Personally, I feel that time just slips away and I still have tons of things to do. But these stressed feelings can be contagious and our kids will most often pick them from us. So much so that I don’t want them to feel anxious like I do, they will also have so many things to do in school (quizzes, periodical exams, christmas programs and parties to attend).
What Happens When The Kids Are Stressed Out
So how do we know when the kids may be feeling the holiday rush and being stressed out? These are some symptoms that they can start complaining to you about.
- headaches
- chest pain
- rapid heartbeat
- stomachaches
- fatigue
- anxiety
- social isolation
- withdrawal from usual activities
- mood swings
- emotional outbursts
- aggression
- trouble concentrating
Last Sunday, my eldest just had a fever. She was feeling good in the morning but at lunch time, she started to slouch and told us that she already want to go home. Luckily, the fever just went on for a day and she was able to come to school in time. We’ve asked her how she feels and we told her that we were sorry for misunderstanding her behavior as laziness. She told us that she was just feeling a little bit overwhelmed with so many things to do in school but that she can manage it. After that, she looked brighter already and ready for days ahead of her.
One thing that I am very thankful to the Lord is for giving my kids good health. Stress can really take its toll on anyone, whether you are young or old, if you are not healthy inside. The kids are especially vulnerable to diseases when they are stressed out. It’s important that we nourish them with healthy diet and supplements which will help them fight diseases. For my kids, I use Nutri10Plus Syrup and because it has complete minerals and nutrients, even though my kids get sick sometimes, they are able to get up in a day or two because I know their supplements are helping their immunity.
Tips to Help Kids Cope With Stress
To summarize some of the tips I gathered from parenting sites I usually read, here are some of the most I think which applies most to our kids:
1. Start preparing early. This can be quite tricky but managing time effectively is always the key to avoid stress at home. Start wrapping gifts a day or two and if the kids can be taught how to wrap their gifts for their friends and classmates and teachers, it will really help and the kids will enjoy your team activity.
2. Ease up on events and going out. Christmas rush is a hell when it comes to going to malls and visiting friends or going to parties. As much as possible, limit the number and consider the little ones who may not be whining but are already stressed out inside.
3. Stay active together. Make sure to sneak in some time to play together in the sun. 15 to 30 minutes a week together outdoors will do wonders to make everyone feel alive but at the same time calm, secured and relaxed.
4. Stay healthy by eating the right food, avoiding greasy stuff as they tend to make everyone feel heavy after and spare Christmas eve and New Year’s eve for eating the lechon, fried chicken, cakes, and all those lovely food. Don’t forget to take your vitamins and prioritize sleep.
I think everyone falls victim to the Christmas rush. Right now I’m wrapped up with a lot of things and I’m quite overwhelmed by it. I’m sure its harder for the children–your tips are truly helpful.
I think adults can use some of this advice as well. I don’t enjoy Christmas because of all craziness that I avoid going out alot during this time of the year.
Great advice. It’s easy to forget that all the excitement can get too much for children.
I never even thought about how stressful this time of year could be for kids. Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us.
That’s a great advise! i think a lot of parents will get a lot of use from your post.
These are so true and important
Staying healthy during the Christmas or any holiday season is very challenging, as we have a lot of temptation around us.
Thanks for the wonderful tips..
Omgg. Poor kids, we thought it’s only for adults but kids are getting stressed out with several things too. Good post
My son never wants to leave the house. Actually neither do I! I do all my shopping online so fortunately, we don’t have to deal with any X-mas rushes in my house 🙂
These are some great tips! Thank you for sharing them!
We hate Christmas rushes that is why we always do our Christmas shopping as early as possible. Yes. I agree that giving our kids the right Vitamins and supplements will keep them away in any sickness during this holiday season.
Its definitely a time of year where we have to slow down on purpose. I am intentionally skipping some events even though they sound fun because it just gets to be too much.
My niece used to have exactly these symptoms when she got stressed or over-excited as a child. She would become physically ill, and after the first two occasions I realised that she was getting sick because she was feeling overwhelmed and did not want to disappoint the adults.
Wow, I never really thought about kids having a Christmas rush. What great and useful tips!
The festive season can definitely cause anxiety in adults and children. I love the coping mechanisms you have put together to help kids.
Oh those are some great tips. I’m not around many kids at this stage in my life but liked learning about them.