By Margaret Johnson & Beth Holliman
The holidays are here, whether we are ready or not! The holiday season can be a very magical time for families, but let's face it, there can also be a lot of stress and tension during this time of year that impacts kids and parents alike. Many families have some adjustments to their daily routine between November and January. Most kids have a break from school, and it's common for parents to take a few days off work if they can. Families might travel to visit with loved ones or have visitors from out of town. These changes along with new expectations and demands, different people to interact with, and a host of other novel and unfamiliar events often lead to new challenges. These holiday-related situations may increase challenging behavior for kids who struggle to communicate, manage emotions, and adjust to changes. And as adults, we also may find ourselves struggling to communicate well or manage our feelings or adjust to things!
These behaviors might be a sign that your child is having difficulty adjusting to changes in their routine during the holidays:
- Refusing to get in the car when it's time to go somewhere
- Being rude, unwelcoming, or awkward with visitors
- Showing off or attention-seeking in front of new people
- Remaining too loud and boisterous when it's time to quiet down
- Melting down at bedtime or mealtime
- Hiding or isolating during new activities