Whilst the Christmas period can be an exciting and fun-filled time, just as with any holiday, the changes to a child’s normal routine can have an impact on their emotional stability.  Some children will struggle with the lack of structure that comes with not going to school, getting up or going to bed later, and not having a clear sense of what each day will involve.

On top of this, many families will spend more time together over the festive period. No family is perfect and family tensions, even seemingly small ones, have a tendency to surface during long periods of time together during the holidays. Children are often acutely aware of adult tensions, and some may feel anxious about what will happen over the festive period.

Top tips for a calm Christmas

• Try to give your child individual attention, cuddles and praise, whenever you can. This will help them feel calm and secure over the busy period.
• Keep up your routine, as far as possible. Children find it reassuring if you try to keep to their normal mealtimes and bedtimes. 
• Explain what things will be different during the holiday period, such as who will be visiting, where you will be going and when you will open presents. Try to do this a day or two before the events to give your child time to process the changes and ask any questions they have.
• Try to balance fun time and quiet time.  Aim to have some time, every day for your child to quietly play or rest. 
• Avoid threats relating to Santa. It may be tempting to use Santa as a way of encouraging good behaviour but is best to avoid doing this. Young children don’t always have mature thinking skills and need to be able to link their behaviour directly with the outcome. Talk of Santa and Christmas can be too abstract for them and using these threats may make them feel anxious.
• Get out of the house. Going on walks or bike rides can help to reduce tensions.

Visit the Young Minds website to find out more tips.