12/24/2025
Holidays are fun for kids… but they can also throw everything off.
Different bedtimes, long car rides, relatives they barely know, lots of noise, and new expectations — it’s a lot for a child to manage. And when routines disappear, behavior often changes too.
Here are a few things we see all the time this time of year:
• Kids melting down after being “on” all day
• Struggling with transitions between houses or events
• Getting overwhelmed by big gatherings
• Acting out because they’re tired, overstimulated, or unsure of what’s expected
What helps:
• Give them a quiet break before they hit their limit
• Keep a few parts of their routine predictable (meals, naps, bedtime if possible)
• Let them know what’s coming next — kids do better when they’re prepared
• Use simple language to help them label what they’re feeling (“tired,” “frustrated,” “too loud,” “need space”)
• And remember: behavior is communication, especially during busy weeks
If your child is having a tough time with emotions or behavior around the holidays, call our office. We’re happy to talk it through and offer guidance.
