Ahhh… the most wonderful time of the year!
Time is spent with family and friends to celebrate the holidays and ring in a new year. It’s also a time when I see something I like to call the “Holiday Meltdown!” If you are a parent, or you have ever seen a child before, then you know– it’s scary! And it can happen at any moment, without warning.
This applies to all children but symptoms may vary from age to age. You might experience a case of the “But why’s?” But why can’t I stay up? But why can’t I eat another piece of fudge? But why?
In older children you may see a shift in mood right before your very eyes. I’ve seen it go from, “You’re the best mom!” to “What?! Why are you looking at me?” in less than ten minutes.
Children who are having a “holiday meltdown” are not rational and they don’t understand why they have to put on a coat or why they need to help clean up. There is an abbreviation that is used in my house called OT (over-tired). OT is a big part of meltdowns. Once children hit OT, they can become upset at the simplest of things. A child may have on red socks but she wanted green, beginning a good, old-fashioned tantrum. I wish this article was entitled “How to Avoid the Holiday Meltdown,” but I can’t lie to you, it’s probably going to happen at some point. What I can do is arm you with the best defense against this growing epidemic. My gift to you. Merry Christmas!
[title h5=”title_dark_blue”]ONE[/title]
[icon_check]When your child is doing something that he/she is going to get in trouble for, I want you to “STOP.” Take a deep breath, count to ten, and allow yourself to think before you speak. Think to yourself, “What would my normal reaction be to this situation?” Then, do the exact opposite. This is sometimes effective because it simply confuses children.
[title h5=”title_dark_blue”]TWO[/title]
[icon_check]Remove the offending object. By this statement, I mean instead of removing the child, depending on the issue, it is best to remove the object that is causing the problem. This object could be a toy that two or more are fighting over. It could be a phone that someone won’t quit texting on during dinner. When removing an object, especially with younger children, it is best to put it in a place that can be seen but not reached.
[title h5=”title_dark_blue”]THREE[/title]
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Use an enforceable statement. With a smile on your face, say, “I’ll be glad to let you (fill in the blank) when I feel treated with respect and the chores are done.” You might as well add a chore that you are not fond of doing. You can basically run an entire house with this one statement.
[title h5=”title_dark_blue”]FOUR[/title]
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This one is just fun to do! When your children are fighting, having a fit or not listening, whisper. Actually it’s even better if you pretend to talk but nothing comes out. It forces them to be quiet because they can’t hear what you are saying.
[title h5=”title_dark_blue”]FIVE[/title]
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My last bit of advice for the year is when you don’t know what to do– delay the consequences. Tell your children that you will have to do something about this but that you are going to have to think about it. This gives you time to cool down and it gives them time to worry. It’s done best when you add a little pat on the back and say, “Try not to worry about it!” Yeah right…