Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, even if we only see it as a break from the usual but in reality a difficult time for all of us.
Everyone has such high expectations, how can it ever possibly match them?
It's stressful for our children too. They may not have the responsibilities adults have but they certainly pick up stress the adults around them are feeling.
They get hauled around crowded shopping centres (no wonder they ask for things), their meal times get disrupted and probably they end up eating unusual and often unhealthy food, and they get all hot and bothered.
Their parents are busier and more distracted than ever and seem to have almost no time for them.There is the visiting and the visitors and having to behave well among strangers, which also unsettles the meal routine, bed times are all over the place and of course, there is the daily cranking up of excitement due to the expectation of presents and all their dreams to come true on one day.
Small wonder we get tears and tantrums.
My downloadable tips (scroll to the bottom) will help you through but immediately you can take a breath. We all rush around so much,and even more so at Christmas, that we forget to breathe. Breathe and remember the good things about the Christmas holiday season.
Most things can wait a few seconds. So next time you find yourself breathing in hard to yell or sigh, unless your child is in danger, take that breath in fully and then let it right back out again.
Recognise that this is what keeps you alive and allow yourself a moment of stillness, of not rushing. Be grateful for the good things that you have, we spend so much time focussing on what needs to be improved that we can forget how much we've actually done.
It's almost the end of the year, recognise what you have achieved. Allow yourself to come to a place of calmness and gratitude for your achievements before responding to the next thing.
Your children will notice the difference, and rather than feeding off your increased stress they will pick up a new, calmer you.
As a special Christmas gift I can offer you my Calm Kids at Christmas downloadable guide Absolutely FREE Let me help you to avoid the pitfalls, be prepared and enjoy your Christmas.
Email me at the contact address above and I will ensure you do.
Have a calm and happy Christmas
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