12/12/2025
🎄💙 Holiday Stress Is Real — Even for Kids 💙🎄
The holidays can be joyful, but they can also be overwhelming for children and parents. Between routines changing, busy schedules, sensory overload, and big emotions, it’s normal for kids to feel stressed this time of year.
Here are a few pediatric-approved tips to help your family navigate the season with a little more calm:
✨ Keep routines where you can
Regular sleep, meals, and downtime help kids feel safe and regulated.
✨ Build in quiet breaks
A few minutes of reading, deep breaths, or a cozy, calm space can help kids reset.
✨ Manage expectations
Holidays don’t need to be perfect. It’s okay to simplify plans or say no to extra events.
✨ Watch for signs of overwhelm
Irritability, clinginess, tummy aches, or trouble sleeping can all be stress signals.
✨ Validate feelings
Let kids know it’s okay to feel excited, tired, anxious, or “too much” all at once.
✨ Take care of yourself, too
Kids do better when their grown-ups feel supported. Your mental health matters.
From our entire pediatric team, we’re wishing you a holiday season filled with peace, grace, and gentle moments. 💛
