10 Ways Parents Can Bring More Zen to Holidays and Help Kids Recharge
If you are a parent with a child or children at home, you know how stressful this pandemic is and has been on our kids. You may have seen behavioral or mood changes, a lack of motivation, or even a drop in grades. It’s important to put you adult perspective aside every so often, and imagine what it must feel like to be a school-age child during this strange time.
Do you remember how important consistency and routine was when you were a young child?
Can you think of an important relationship you had with a teacher you saw every day, and who shared a warm smile (and maybe even a hug) with you when greeting you?
Being with friends and socializing, both in school and on the weekends, is a huge part of social emotional development for teenagers
Imagine being a young child and having to attend to a computer all day, rather than have the in-person interaction with adults and peers
Traditionally, the holidays can be a fast-paced, activity-filled and over-stimulating few weeks… a vacation from which you need a vacation! But, this year will be different. We can not gather in large groups as we normally may have. We will be spending more time at home, and some of our family traditions may need to be adapted.
I encourage you to think differently about the holidays this year. Afterall, everything is different this year! Think of this school vacation as an opportunity to deepen connections with your family. This break can be a time where you set an intention to help your child recharge and get back to school ready to complete the second half of the year with energy, motivation and a positive mindset.
Here are 10 ways to bring more Zen into your home this holiday season:
Feel your feelings – this is an incredibly stressful time, and we are all human. You are allowed to be sad. It is OK to have strong feelings bubble up. It’s important to notice them, lean into them, and give yourself space to feel them. Model this healthy emotional expression for your children, and encourage them to do the same.
Complete tasks slowly and with intention – rather than mindlessly checking boxes just to get things done, be mindful as you complete them. Pay attention to what you are doing, how it looks, what you feel, how it smells, etc. You may be surprised how much more joy you will get out of things – even washing the dishes.
Show gratitude and appreciation – there are things for which you can be grateful every single day. Share with your children what you appreciate about them and establish a family ritual around gratitude. For example, before eating dinner, have each family member share something positive they experienced that day. Research shows that practicing gratitude fights off depression and anxiety.
Do less – we set these high standards for ourselves about all of things we “need to” accomplish each day. Who says all of that needs to be done today? Taking time out of each day to rest and play with your child are so important. This will foster connection and bring more joy to everyone in the family.
Develop new rituals – some of the traditions your family has around the holidays may not be possible this year because of COVID-19. Rather than complaining about all you can’t do, be creative with your family and start some new rituals this year.
Designate a time for fun – setting a certain day of the week to take a road trip with your child, or a certain time each day when you will all get outdoors for a hike, ski or sledding, will help ensure that you fit in the fun this holiday season.
Smile and serve others – giving back increases self-confidence and sense of purpose. Find ways to encourage your children to serve others during the break.
Find new ways to connect – although we can not spend time with friends and extended family in person, you can find creative ways to help your child connect. Texts, video calls, letters and outdoor activities with masks and social distance are all possibilities.
Decide what is really important – if your child has been stressed, unmotivated or even anxious and depressed, it will help them recharge if you simplify each day for them. It’s OK to allow some down time. Prioritize what has to be done, then let the rest slide for now.
Live simply – the craziness of hybrid or remote learning and life during a pandemic, the more simple and streamlined you can make the holiday break, the better. Slow down. Laugh. Play. Enjoy this time together!
