Whether you’re 4 years old or 40 years old, holiday gatherings can be a lot to handle. There’s the stress of travel, the lack of daily routines, new environments and people.
And not to be Grinch-y, but there’s also the noise and the constant hustle and bustle to contend with.
While plenty of adults have learned to navigate the ups and downs (avoiding those uncomfortable political conversations at all costs), for children, some advance holiday guidance or a prep talk from parents may be in order.
“So many kids struggle during the holidays. Even too much of a good thing — like playing with cousins, eating sweets or watching favorite holiday movies — can overwhelm young nervous systems,” Melissa Schwartz, author and parenting coach for highly sensitive families at Leading Edge Parenting, told HuffPost.
“When children know what to expect and have tools ready for when it gets too loud, too busy, or just too much, they can actually enjoy the day rather than just survive it,” Schwartz added.
