SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND TEENS DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
The holiday season is upon us. Families are dealing with stress from multiple sources, including COVID-19, and may not be able to celebrate the holidays as usual. Although parents/caregivers may feel the need to do more to “make up” for such a difficult year, remember, more is not always better. Decide as a family how you will make each holiday special this year.
Given these changes, adults and children may experience waves of sadness, disappointment, loneliness, grief, and anger. It is important to not feel alone with these feelings, to have your feelings supported and validated by others, and to know that in the midst of these difficult times, you can create moments of joy, hope, and connection. While some traditions may have to shift due to these challenging times, this is also an opportunity to create new family traditions together.
STRATEGIES AND IDEAS FOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: Finding ways to make this year special
Start a Family Conversation: Acknowledge What Has Changed and How Family Members are Feeling Talk to your children/teens about this holiday season.
Help them understand why things are different. You may want to share that you are doing things differently because you want to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Let them talk about their feelings, what they are sad about, what makes them upset.
Let them know that they are not alone. You hear them.
Validate their feelings. It makes sense that they are feeling sad, disappointed, frustrated, angry . . . because the holidays are not the same, because they miss friends and family . . .
You may want to let them know that you are also sad and upset that so much has changed and that things are not the way you want them to be.
Even when you can’t “fix” things, you are giving children the gift of your support.
If loved ones have died during this year, find a way to honor their memory this holiday season and find ways to share your feelings as a family.
Think together about your family values and traditions related to the holidays (the way you celebrate may change, but the meaning behind the holiday does not).
For more tips about staying connected and taking care of yourself, click here.