The “Christmas Survival Guide for Parents: Tips, Ideas and Activities to Make Christmas Less Stressful” addresses the common concerns of anxiety and stress that parents, especially those with children who have additional needs, often face during the festive season. The guide, developed by SNAP, offers targeted strategies to mitigate these challenges, ensuring a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday experience for the entire family.
Key points related to reducing anxiety and stress include:
- Managing Expectations Around Gift-Giving: By setting clear expectations and removing surprises, the guide helps parents reduce anxiety around gift-giving. This approach is particularly beneficial for children who may become overwhelmed by too many surprises or changes in routine.
- Creating a Calm Environment with Decorations: The guide advises on decorating the home in a way that is mindful of sensory sensitivities, helping to create a calm and stress-free environment. Suggestions include gradual decoration and the creation of Christmas-free zones, providing a retreat for children who might feel overwhelmed.
- Utilising Visuals and Timetables: Employing visual tools like Christmas calendars and timetables can significantly lessen anxiety for children by making them aware of what to expect. This predictability can help in reducing stress associated with changes during the holiday season.
- Parental Strategies for Staying Calm: The guide emphasises the importance of parental wellbeing. Tips for parents to stay calm and seek help when needed are crucial in maintaining a stress-free environment at home.
- Food and Mealtime Management: Strategies for handling mealtime challenges, such as introducing new foods gradually and allowing the child’s input in menu planning, can alleviate stress and anxiety around Christmas meals.
- Online Safety to Reduce Anxiety: With an increase in technology use during the holidays, the guide provides advice on internet and social media safety to reduce anxiety related to children’s online interactions.
By focusing on these key areas, the guide aims to significantly reduce the levels of stress and anxiety often associated with the holiday season, providing parents with practical tools and strategies to ensure a more peaceful and enjoyable Christmas for their families.
FREE PDF DOWNLOAD OF CHRISTMAS SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR PARENTS: TIPS AND ACTIVITIES TO MAKE CHRISTMAS LESS STRESSFULL
