The holiday season brings much joy and excitement to our little ones as families gather to celebrate, gifts are given and love is spread. However, the holidays can also bring stress and anxiety for our children. It’s important that we’re aware of this so we can provide the emotional support our children need during this season.
At AdventHealth, we seek to care for all of you in body, mind and spirit. Our expert care team is dedicated to providing whole-person health care to your children to help them relish the joy the holidays bring.
Read on to learn more about how the holidays can affect your little one’s mental health and how you can best meet them where they are.
The Power of Communication
It may seem like a no-brainer, but one of the best things you can do as a parent is communicate with your kids. You may think your current communication with your child is optimal, but things can often slip through the cracks because your child may not know how to share them. It’s our job as parents to lead the effort in communication with our kids.
The holidays can bring lots of stress whether you’re hosting family or traveling to see them. It’s important to ask your children how they feel to cultivate an environment of open, honest communication. Taking time for these small but powerful check-ins with our kids can greatly benefit their mental health and help them feel safe sharing their anxieties with you. This open communication nurtures emotional health, setting your children up for success in regulating their emotions.
Signs of Mental Health Struggles
Just like there are signs and symptoms of getting sick, the same is true when it comes to mental health struggles. As parents, it’s important to be aware of these signs so we can better help our children. Common signs of mental health struggles include:
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in interest in usual activities
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Emotional outbursts
- Increased irritability
- Withdrawal
Knowing and recognizing the signs of mental health struggles in your children is the first step toward helping them get the care they need. Some instances require the help of a physician, but there are certain things you can do on your own to help your children.
What You Can Do
How sweet it is to provide for your children and see them full of joy. We know mental health struggles can often seem overwhelming, but we’re here to partner with you in providing your children with the support they need to feel whole. To do so, we recommend:
- Having fun with them
- Incorporating mindfulness techniques
- Making communication a priority
- Making time for them
- Practicing open communication
These are all great ways to be there for your kids. But sometimes, you may need more help. The good news is our expert pediatric care teams, along with other organizations, are dedicated to providing you with the necessary resources to support your children’s mental health. Other organizations include the American Psychological Association, Mental Health America and the National Association of School Psychologists. We encourage you to explore these organizations to help you better care for your little ones.
The Importance of Routines
Daily routines can help your children feel grounded and stable as the rush of the holidays swirls around them. Something as simple as listing out the chores for your kids for the week or incorporating daily mindfulness time as a family can provide the necessary stability we crave. Daily routines give us something to expect during the chaos, and they grow to feel familiar.
Your Partner in Mental Health
At AdventHealth, we know the importance of mental health and the effects mental health struggles can have on your family. We’re here to provide you with the whole-person care you need in body, mind and spirit. o learn more about mental health for your children or to get connected to our children’s mental health navigation team visit BeAMindleader.com or call
Call407-517-7593.
