Written by Rebecca Budde, SIU School of Medicine
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but all the excitement of the holiday can interrupt a 
child’s routine, causing stress and behavioral problems.
Stress and pressure from extra activities, traveling, shopping and high expectations can impact family harmony, according to SIU child psychologist Glen Aylward, PhD. “Kids’ schedules change during the holidays, which can cause anxiety. The big hype to get the best toy and other things that they probably don’t even need increases pressure. This is exacerbated in situations or families with pre-existing anxiety about food insecurity, lack of social support and other family issues.”
Dr. Aylward says behavioral challenges might include emotional volatility and tension. “If parents are under pressure, the children can sense this as they are bell weathers of stress.”
He advises parents to take care of themselves and make the holidays more fun and less stressful, which will make their children’s behaviors more acceptable. These tips can help:
- keep finances under control
- don’t exhaust yourselves by too much revelry
- avoid family squabbles, especially in front of children
- be sure children keep to their usual sleep routines as much as possible
He also recommends guiding children away from the material issues of the holiday and get into the giving – the actual spirit of the season. Having family traditions each year is recommended as well. If a child’s behavior becomes more disruptive or doesn’t return to normal soon after the holidays, the child may need to see a doctor or pediatric counselor.
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois