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The holidays are a notoriously stressful time for many Canadians – parents especially so do yourself a favor and learn these 3 Tips for Stress-Free Parenting During the Holidays.
Essentially, they represent a perfect storm of added responsibilities, financial considerations, extended family dynamics, and feeling “cooped up.”
When you aren’t out shopping for gifts (wearing through the magnetic strip on your credit card), you’re busy preparing for extended family to visit.
When you aren’t entertaining recently out-of-class kids (with all the energy in the world!), you are listening to “parenting advice” from the in-laws.
All of it can combine to create a tense, tight atmosphere. It’s no wonder that “holiday burnout” is a widely recognized phenomenon in psychological circles.
This holiday season and New Year, try to cultivate a calm atmosphere by practicing self-care, refocusing your priorities and accepting help when you need it.
In this post, let’s explore these 3 Tips for Stress-Free Parenting During the Holidays.
Order In Occasionally to Alleviate Stress
The issue for many parents during the holidays is added responsibility.
You are expected to plan big meals, decorations and festivities on top of those everyday tasks like making dinner.
It’s better to prioritize.
If you know you’ll be planning a large gathering, give yourself a few nights off in the week prior by using grocery delivery services and meal delivery services from a local catering company.
By ordering ready-made meals or snack items, you free up your evenings to focus on seasonal priorities like community and family.
Plus, sitting down to a delicious meal someone else prepared is a potent form of self-care!
Refocusing: from Gifts to Gratitude
Some experts argue that “list-making” creates an unhealthy atmosphere of expectation in kids.
When they rattle off a list of “I want, I want, I want,” they come to expect an abundance of gifts, which in turn can lead to a diminished sense of gratitude.
Moreover, it adds pressure on parents to constantly outdo themselves, believing that increasing gifts is the only way to create a “magical” holiday time.
This year, shift the focus away from gift lists toward fun experiences full of activity.
Give fewer, more meaningful presents.
And instead of having the kids make a long list of wishes, ask them to write just one or two gifts they really want.
Develop Your Own Little Santa’s Workshop
It’s in many a parent’s nature to refuse help when offered.
No, no, you might say – you can cook the turkey and sides all by yourself.
You can clean the house before guests arrive.
You can shovel the driveway, string up the lights, wrap the presents, decorate the tree… But taking on all those responsibilities alone may cause burnout.
Think about it this way: your close and extended family are like your Santa’s workshop.
They are little elves sent to help you with all the little tasks.
Get the kids to wrap their own presents and clean a portion of the home.
Get your father-in-law to help with stringing the lights.
Order a few sides from a local catering company.
And ask your mother to help you set the table.
When everyone pitches in, it takes the load off your shoulders, ensuring a happier time for everyone!
