How Parents Can Reduce Stress This Holiday Season

How Parents Can Reduce Stress this Holiday Season

written by Emily Graham, blogger at mightymoms.net

The holidays are an especially exciting time of the year for families. There are few joys like watching your children enjoy the splendors of the season, but the responsibilities that accompany the holidays can put a real damper on the festivities for parents. The kids are out of school and stir-crazy, your home is messy from hosting out-of-towners, and your social calendar is filled completely. Believe it or not, these are common issues for most parents, and there are simple ways to keep stress down this holiday season. Psychological & Educational Consulting shares the following tips to help you stay sane.

Be Mindful with Planning
As with many of life’s details, quality is more important than quantity. Scheduling too many things to do can be terribly overwhelming. Focus on activities that are truly meaningful by following these tips.
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Holiday Gift Approaches That Teach Kids The Spirit Of Giving
8 Budget-Friendly Winter Activities to Beat the Cold-Weather Blues
Cheap Fun Things to Do with Kids This Winter
20 Ideas For Serving Others as a Family This Christmas

Stick to Your Budget
Take the time to budget for the holidays, and be firm in sticking to it. Figure out what money to allocate for gifts, food, and travel, and if needed, find other ways to reduce your spending over the holidays so you won’t be under financial stress come January.
How to Keep Your Holiday Spending on Budget
How to Reduce Financial Stress During the Holidays
Savvy Holiday Shoppers Hunt for Bargains and Credit Card Rewards
200 Cheap and Easy DIY Christmas Gifts

Take Care of Yourself
The holidays tend to be all about the kids when you’re a parent, but don’t forget to address your own self-care needs. Make time to practice basic healthy habits no matter how busy you are. Remember, your kids will also thrive when you’re feeling your best!
Practicing Self-Care During the Holiday Season
Better Sleep During the Holiday Season
How Much Stress Is Just Right?
4 Reasons to Keep Exercising During the Holidays

The holidays are about spending time with family and creating memories that will last a lifetime. The less stress you feel as a parent will not only boost your mood but the mood of your entire family.

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- Anonymous
"The various psycho-educational testing Dr. Liz conducted on our son gave us critical clues about where his learning strengths and weaknesses lie so that his needs could be better addressed at home and school. Moreover, because of their warm, kindhearted personalities, both Dr. Liz and her associate, Stephanie, formed an immediate bond with my son. He eagerly looks forward to his weekly therapy sessions. We are so lucky Dr. Liz came into our family's lives when she did! For stressed-out families trying to help their children as best they can, she is a calming voice of reason!"
- Anonymous
"Thank you, Dr. Liz. Although we have told you countless times, it will never feel enough. You have listened when J could barely speak and continued to listen when he was sad, angry and confused. You've challenged him and directed us in our roles as parents. You've helped J face his fears while the list evolved and changed, and yet you've stayed committed to 'the course.' We pray that your children realize that time away from them is spent helping children learn and that vulnerability is a sign of strength and bravery."
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