Family sitting at the table for a meal

Christmas and the School Holidays: The Season for Big Feelings!

December 22, 20243 min read

As the festive season is already here, many parents find themselves navigating a whirlwind of emotions—not just their own, but their children’s too! Whether you’re relieved to have a break from the school run or feeling a little anxious about having the kids home 24/7, one thing is certain: big changes are coming, and with them, big feelings.

For children, the end of the school year can be a mixed bag of emotions. While they may be excited about the holidays, they might also feel irritable, tired, or even a little lost. You might notice your child sleeping more, being argumentative, or retreating to their room for alone time. Some kids may have more meltdowns or shutdowns, refuse activities they once enjoyed, or withdraw from family and social events. These behaviours often stem from the emotional and physical toll of transitioning out of their usual routines.

It’s easy to overlook the fact that, while school holidays bring freedom, they also mean saying goodbye to the structure, routine, and social connections that school provides. Missing their teacher, classmates, or even the predictability of a school day can be tough for kids. Add to that the demands of Christmas Day, and it’s no wonder emotions are running high.

So, how can you help your child navigate this emotional rollercoaster? Here are some practical tips to ease the transition into the school holidays and Christmas season:

1. Create a Visual Schedule

Whether you have a quiet Christmas Day planned or it’s a flurry of relatives and friends visiting, making a visual timetable can help your child to anticipate the activities. This could be as simple as a printed table or a handwritten calendar. Write up any planned activities to give your child a sense of what’s coming next.

2. Continue Rituals and Routines

Rituals and routine can help your child manage the many changes that often happen around Christmas. Whether family & friends are visiting you or you are visiting them, talk to them ahead of time about the routines that will help your child to enjoy or manage the day. For example, if you’re visiting family or friends decide whether you’ll take your child’s favourite foods to the gathering and plan ahead about whether they will sit to eat at the table or sit quietly on their own to eat.

3. Create a Communication Plan

The holiday season often brings an increase in social events, which can be overwhelming for some children. Talk to your child about how they can signal when they’re feeling overloaded. A special word or hand signal can be a discreet way for them to let you know they need a break or some quiet time.

4. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

Amid the hustle and bustle of gift shopping and holiday planning, remember that what your child wants most is your love and attention. Set aside 15-20 minutes each day for undivided, focused time with your child. Whether it’s playing a game, reading a book, or just chatting, this time together can be a powerful way to strengthen your bond.

5. Don’t Forget Self-Care

Supporting your child through transitions and big feelings can be emotionally draining. Make sure to carve out some time for yourself to recharge. Whether it’s a walk, a coffee with a friend, or simply a quiet moment to breathe, self-care is essential for maintaining your energy and patience.

As we head into the holiday season, remember that it’s okay for both you and your child to feel a mix of emotions. By creating structure, fostering connection, and prioritising self-care, you can help your family navigate this season of big feelings with grace and joy.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful holiday season!

 

Big Feelings Managing MeltdownsHolidays
blog author image

Karen Forrest

With over 30 years experience of working with children and families, Karen is passionate about supporting children’s social emotional development as well as building parents’ confidence so they and their family thrive.

Back to Blog

JumpStart's Lending Library

We've launched our very own library offering books & resources forParents/Carers and children connected with us. Books that promote children's strengths and abilities and celebrate diversity.


If there is a book you would like to borrow please email us. We will let you know when it is ready for pick up from Ochre Medical Centre Bathurst.


If you have recommendations for upcoming books to review, we'd love to hear from you!

Family sitting at the table for a meal

Christmas and the School Holidays: The Season for Big Feelings!

December 22, 20243 min read

As the festive season is already here, many parents find themselves navigating a whirlwind of emotions—not just their own, but their children’s too! Whether you’re relieved to have a break from the school run or feeling a little anxious about having the kids home 24/7, one thing is certain: big changes are coming, and with them, big feelings.

For children, the end of the school year can be a mixed bag of emotions. While they may be excited about the holidays, they might also feel irritable, tired, or even a little lost. You might notice your child sleeping more, being argumentative, or retreating to their room for alone time. Some kids may have more meltdowns or shutdowns, refuse activities they once enjoyed, or withdraw from family and social events. These behaviours often stem from the emotional and physical toll of transitioning out of their usual routines.

It’s easy to overlook the fact that, while school holidays bring freedom, they also mean saying goodbye to the structure, routine, and social connections that school provides. Missing their teacher, classmates, or even the predictability of a school day can be tough for kids. Add to that the demands of Christmas Day, and it’s no wonder emotions are running high.

So, how can you help your child navigate this emotional rollercoaster? Here are some practical tips to ease the transition into the school holidays and Christmas season:

1. Create a Visual Schedule

Whether you have a quiet Christmas Day planned or it’s a flurry of relatives and friends visiting, making a visual timetable can help your child to anticipate the activities. This could be as simple as a printed table or a handwritten calendar. Write up any planned activities to give your child a sense of what’s coming next.

2. Continue Rituals and Routines

Rituals and routine can help your child manage the many changes that often happen around Christmas. Whether family & friends are visiting you or you are visiting them, talk to them ahead of time about the routines that will help your child to enjoy or manage the day. For example, if you’re visiting family or friends decide whether you’ll take your child’s favourite foods to the gathering and plan ahead about whether they will sit to eat at the table or sit quietly on their own to eat.

3. Create a Communication Plan

The holiday season often brings an increase in social events, which can be overwhelming for some children. Talk to your child about how they can signal when they’re feeling overloaded. A special word or hand signal can be a discreet way for them to let you know they need a break or some quiet time.

4. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

Amid the hustle and bustle of gift shopping and holiday planning, remember that what your child wants most is your love and attention. Set aside 15-20 minutes each day for undivided, focused time with your child. Whether it’s playing a game, reading a book, or just chatting, this time together can be a powerful way to strengthen your bond.

5. Don’t Forget Self-Care

Supporting your child through transitions and big feelings can be emotionally draining. Make sure to carve out some time for yourself to recharge. Whether it’s a walk, a coffee with a friend, or simply a quiet moment to breathe, self-care is essential for maintaining your energy and patience.

As we head into the holiday season, remember that it’s okay for both you and your child to feel a mix of emotions. By creating structure, fostering connection, and prioritising self-care, you can help your family navigate this season of big feelings with grace and joy.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful holiday season!

 

Big Feelings Managing MeltdownsHolidays
blog author image

Karen Forrest

With over 30 years experience of working with children and families, Karen is passionate about supporting children’s social emotional development as well as building parents’ confidence so they and their family thrive.

Back to Blog
Family sitting at the table for a meal

Christmas and the School Holidays: The Season for Big Feelings!

December 22, 20243 min read

As the festive season is already here, many parents find themselves navigating a whirlwind of emotions—not just their own, but their children’s too! Whether you’re relieved to have a break from the school run or feeling a little anxious about having the kids home 24/7, one thing is certain: big changes are coming, and with them, big feelings.

For children, the end of the school year can be a mixed bag of emotions. While they may be excited about the holidays, they might also feel irritable, tired, or even a little lost. You might notice your child sleeping more, being argumentative, or retreating to their room for alone time. Some kids may have more meltdowns or shutdowns, refuse activities they once enjoyed, or withdraw from family and social events. These behaviours often stem from the emotional and physical toll of transitioning out of their usual routines.

It’s easy to overlook the fact that, while school holidays bring freedom, they also mean saying goodbye to the structure, routine, and social connections that school provides. Missing their teacher, classmates, or even the predictability of a school day can be tough for kids. Add to that the demands of Christmas Day, and it’s no wonder emotions are running high.

So, how can you help your child navigate this emotional rollercoaster? Here are some practical tips to ease the transition into the school holidays and Christmas season:

1. Create a Visual Schedule

Whether you have a quiet Christmas Day planned or it’s a flurry of relatives and friends visiting, making a visual timetable can help your child to anticipate the activities. This could be as simple as a printed table or a handwritten calendar. Write up any planned activities to give your child a sense of what’s coming next.

2. Continue Rituals and Routines

Rituals and routine can help your child manage the many changes that often happen around Christmas. Whether family & friends are visiting you or you are visiting them, talk to them ahead of time about the routines that will help your child to enjoy or manage the day. For example, if you’re visiting family or friends decide whether you’ll take your child’s favourite foods to the gathering and plan ahead about whether they will sit to eat at the table or sit quietly on their own to eat.

3. Create a Communication Plan

The holiday season often brings an increase in social events, which can be overwhelming for some children. Talk to your child about how they can signal when they’re feeling overloaded. A special word or hand signal can be a discreet way for them to let you know they need a break or some quiet time.

4. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

Amid the hustle and bustle of gift shopping and holiday planning, remember that what your child wants most is your love and attention. Set aside 15-20 minutes each day for undivided, focused time with your child. Whether it’s playing a game, reading a book, or just chatting, this time together can be a powerful way to strengthen your bond.

5. Don’t Forget Self-Care

Supporting your child through transitions and big feelings can be emotionally draining. Make sure to carve out some time for yourself to recharge. Whether it’s a walk, a coffee with a friend, or simply a quiet moment to breathe, self-care is essential for maintaining your energy and patience.

As we head into the holiday season, remember that it’s okay for both you and your child to feel a mix of emotions. By creating structure, fostering connection, and prioritising self-care, you can help your family navigate this season of big feelings with grace and joy.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful holiday season!

 

Big Feelings Managing MeltdownsHolidays
blog author image

Karen Forrest

With over 30 years experience of working with children and families, Karen is passionate about supporting children’s social emotional development as well as building parents’ confidence so they and their family thrive.

Back to Blog

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