The Christmas holidays bring a lot of joy and excitement for everyone, especially for children.
However, they also bring a certain hustle and bustle, since schedules and routines change drastically with the holidays, parties are physically, family and logistically moved … and this influences children.
In addition, if there are certain previous difficulties (for example, in language), such as stuttering, dyslalias … these can be accentuated with the change of routines. On the other hand, it is important to note that these changes are more evident in infants and young children .
Do you notice your child more nervous or anxious these days? Are you perhaps more moved? Is it hard for you to sleep? If you have noticed some of these changes in your child’s behavior, or in his mood, do not miss this article, where we address all these issues.
You will also be able to know some key ideas to avoid this interference in your children and help them to be calmer , which can be useful for these days that still remain of the holidays. But first, let’s get to know what routine involves and what its positive effects are.
The routine and its positive effects
Routines are defined as habits or acquired habits of doing things in a certain way ; This way of doing things implies the need not to reflect or decide on it (that is, they are acts that occur automatically).
In our day to day (especially with children), we need routine, because it allows us to organize our day and plan and combine everything we have to do: work, school, meals, etc.
Thus, the routine can be very beneficial for children and adults. But what exactly does it provide?
- Feeling of security.
- The possibility of saving physical and mental energy.
- Learning and discipline.
- Optimization of the day and time in general.
- Comfort .
- The possibility of planning.
The parties and the change of routine
Although these holidays are celebratory and joyous , and also to rest, the truth is that they can have a not so positive impact on the behavior and / or mood of some children.
Above all, in those who need a lot of routine and a feeling of security, or those who do not like changes, spontaneity or uncertainty so much.
And the fact is that the arrival of the holidays also entails an important change in schedules and routines, since children do not go to school, many family meals and dinners arise (or are planned), etc. But what impact can a change in routines have on children? How does this affect on a psychological level?
The impact of routine changes on behavior
As we have seen, routine provides certain advantages for children. This means that, when that routine they have marked disappears, difficulties or an interference in their behavior may appear, even if it is slight.
So, in what way does a change in routines interfere with children?
- Confusion may appear.
- Increased nervousness or anxiety
- Sleep disturbances (such as difficulties falling asleep).
- Irritability.
- Changes in behavior (or behavior disorders).
- Accentuation of previous difficulties (for example, in language).
- Attention or concentration problems
How to maintain the routine while still enjoying the holidays?
The truth is that maintaining certain routines can benefit children, even though we are at Christmas and the Three Wise Men season.
And it is that, it is not so much about being rigid with planning and schedules , but about, from a minimum of flexibility, being able to adapt the schedules and the family routine to the new events that the holidays entail.
That is, maintain a minimum of routine while still enjoying the Christmas holidays. Why? Because this will allow children to continue to enjoy a certain sense of security , preventing them from becoming nervous about unexpected changes.
But how do we do it? Some ideas to get started:
- Try to keep your lunch and dinner times.
- Stick to routines that you know benefit your children (for example, getting up at X hours).
- Anticipate changes and events of the day that are out of the ordinary (for example, a family meal).
- Stick to a set bedtime, although it can be flexible on holidays.
- Be flexible (and promote flexibility in them).
- Do not forget to enjoy with the family!
Tips to promote calm and a proper frame of mind
As we have seen, the fact of maintaining a minimum of routines, even knowing that we are in a busy time of family and social commitments, can help our children feel more calm and secure these days.
On the other hand, certain practices that help them promote calm and tranquility, as well as a positive state of mind, can also benefit our children. Some of them are:
- Relaxation and breathing techniques adapted to children.
- Children’s yoga.
- Download energy through physical exercise , playing in the park, etc.
- Make crafts, draw, mandalas, etc.
- Write an emotions diary to facilitate emotional expression (it can also be done with photos, drawings, etc.).
- Dedicate the last hour of the day to quieter activities.
- Maintain sleep hygiene guidelines to promote adequate rest.
And you, have you noticed a change in your child’s behavior these days? Or in your state of mind? Have certain difficulties been accentuated or have you noticed them more sensitive than normal?
If so, the change in routines that come with the Christmas holidays may have taken its toll, so fear not.
In this case, we encourage you to put some of our advice into practice , and above all, ask for specialized help if you notice that the difficulties persist beyond Christmas.
Photos | Cover (pexels), Image 1 (pexels), Image 2 (pexels), Image 3 (pexels), Image 4 (pexels)
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