Loud, rambunctious cousins; vaguely familiar aunts and uncles; people of all ages and all communication styles come together around the holidays. While these are joyous times, they can also be a source of stress and anxiety for young children. Facing new routines, new bedtimes, new mealtimes, and new faces is a challenge even for adults. Just imagine the strain this can present to a young child, who may already struggle with feelings of anxiety. As the loving adult, you can pick up on signals that your child is feeling anxious: -
Do you notice them acting out, behaviorally or verbally? -
Have you observed sleep regression or mealtime issues? -
Are they wringing or clasping their hands or clenching their fists? -
Do they physically hide or retreat? These signs — which could happen before, during or after a social event — could all indicate that your child is overwhelmed by a social situation during the holidays. The good news is, there are things you can do to help: -
Create a refuge and calm environment for your child, away from stimulation. This can be a side room, outside, or even in the car. Make sure your child doesn't feel trapped in a place that makes them feel out of control or anxious. -
Manage expectations. When things don't go like a child "expects" it to go, they can feel threatened. These feelings are real, and you can avoid some of the fallout if you continuously manage your child's expectations: talk through what an event or situation will be like, then update them if things change. -
Practice regulation tactics. These can be breathing exercises, forms of physical movement or exercise, or even "picture this" visualization techniques. I present many MORE options for this in my Anxiety Toolkit, which you can access below. Unlock an entire course around anxiety by becoming a Bloom member.
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Wishing You a Happy Season, Miriam Frankel (formerly Manela) Contact Bloom for More Information | 
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