On Dec. 4, our Professional Development Program Manager Coco McAtee will talk about helping your child manage holiday stress on Fox 4's morning news show. Click here to visit Fox 4 News.

If you think the holidays are stressful for you, they’re doubly so for children. Not only do children pick up on their parents’ stress from holiday preparations, they are also less able to cope with excitement and interruption from their daily routine. Learn some tips for how you can reduce holiday stress for your children.

Why holidays are stressful for children

• Children cope with excitement and emotions differently than adults. While some kids can adapt to schedule changes, others have a hard time coping with a change in their routine.
• Children easily become exhausted from excitement. While excitement is wonderful, the anticipation, gifts and parties are also tiring.
• Young children don’t fully understand the meaning of a holiday. It might take a few holidays for your child to understand the meaning and traditions. Keep your plans simple to help your child understand what's happening and why.

Tips to reduce holiday stress for your children

• Decide your family’s priorities. A lot of our memories come from holiday events. Think back to what you remember. Was it playing games with your family? Helping your mother decorate cookies, chopping down your own live Christmas tree, visiting a relative in a nursing home? You typically don’t remember whether the house was spotless or that you got every present on your list. So….how do you want to spend your time?
• Set reasonable expectations and limits. The holidays are full of unrealistic expectations and messages in the media about the “warmth and family togetherness” of the holidays. Set realistic expectations and do not be lulled into the unrealistic “fireplace and hot chocolate” pictures.
• Maintain your child’s routines. Keep regular meal times and bed times. Hungry or sleep-deprived kids become cranky kids.
• Don't force youngsters to sit on Santa's lap if they're afraid. You might stand next to Santa with your child.

• Religious or spiritual traditions
• Time with immediate family
• Time with extended family
• Parties with friends or co-workers
• Baking or cooking
• Relaxation
• Buying gifts
• Wrapping gifts
• Selecting a tree
• Visiting friends or relatives
• Decorating
• Donating time, money or items to the needy
• Writing and sending holiday cards
• Holiday concerts, plays or events
• Viewing holiday lights
• Other