Featured Tips

Keep stress under control. All parents have pressure. The most helpful method of dealing with stress is to learn to predict the events that cause these feelings and to develop effective stress management skills. Try these simple methods to break your stress: get a good night sleep; take a stand against over scheduling; develop hobbies.

Lives Changed

The biggest thing I have gotten is knowledge. I can consistently go back and refer to what I learned when something comes up and I’m not sure how to handle it. And I can pass on what I learned to other parents with young children.

~ Sharice, Parenting Training Programs participant

Article

December 18, 2007

The Family Tree Recognizes Holiday Stress

The Family Tree Recognizes Holiday Stress Can Bring Unwanted Anxiety and Abuse

Introduces 5 tips to Help Parents Avoid Parental Stress!

Baltimore, MD, December 18, 2007- The holiday season can be filled with joy, delight, and fond family memories or the perils of unrealistic expectations and stress which may overwhelm you. To keep the holidays merry and avoid a post holiday ‘crash and burn', The Family Tree is introducing 5 suggestions to help keep your family in balance and ease the predictable holiday tension.

"It seems that every year we care for several severely injured children during the holiday season, more than we would see in a similar period at other times of the year. These children are hurt by family members and I believe that part of the reason is that holidays do not achieve their exceedingly high expectations. Adults take their own disappointment out on their children," explained Allen R. Walker, MD, director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

"Holiday stress can lead to an increase in child abuse and neglect." explains Pat Cronin, executive director of The Family Tree. "Parents are trying to live up to societal expectations of the perfect holiday. Children are overwhelmed by the busy holiday schedule. By understanding the triggers of stress, parents can learn how to avoid the common pitfalls and enjoy a peaceful holiday season."

To combat the reported increase in family violence around the holidays, The Family Tree is providing parents, schools, libraries and community groups with these practical strategies to avoid stress.

Simplify! Don't overbook your family during the holidays! You don't need to attend every holiday party, do lots of extra cooking, baking and decorating. Just say no and enjoy more time to relax with your family.
Involving children in gift making puts holiday budgets much more on track. If purchasing gifts results in financial distress, consider presents that can be created at home. Low-cost gift alternatives include baked goods, framed art and hand sewn items from talented teens.
Model the way! Demonstrate when you are happy and also how to ask for quiet time when stress does wear you down. Don't forget to show how important compromise is during these busy times.
Plan ahead for the unexpected during the season. Plan all outings thoughtfully; stores and roads are more crowded than usual. Shopping trips that include children require age-appropriate preparation.
Reaffirm the true meaning of happiness and joy for you and your family! Celebrate your home and each other.

Most importantly, have realistic expectations! Don't let the stress of having a "perfect" holiday overcome you. Remember this time of year is about being with family and friends and none of us are perfect. If you feel like you are going to lose your cool, take a moment to calm down, count to ten or pick up the phone and call The Family Tree's Family StressLine, available 24-hours a day, seven days a week at 800-243-7337.

‹ Back to News