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Surviving The Holiday School Break
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration for many families. However, it can also be a challenging period for parents as they navigate the pressures of keeping their children entertained and engaged during the extended break from school.
For those struggling to keep up with their kids’ demands for “screen time” and excessive digital media use, Fox News has some expert advice to help you survive this critical period.
Firstly, it’s essential to establish a sense of routine. Family therapist Tom Kersting suggests maintaining some semblance of structure and normalcy during the holidays to avoid chaos. “We have to remember to try to keep some semblance of routine for our kids during the holiday season,” he emphasizes.
However, parents are also cautioned against relying too heavily on screen time to keep their children occupied. The Mayo Clinic warns that excessive digital media use can contribute to a range of negative outcomes, including obesity, sleep disturbances, and eye strain.
To avoid these pitfalls, Meg Wallace, a mother of 7 from San Antonio, Texas, recommends involving your children in the planning process for activities. “We have this like dream list where everybody kind of writes down, I want to do ice skating, I want to make hot chocolate,” she advises.
Rather than imposing strict limits on digital media use, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises considering the quality rather than quantity of interactions with devices. “I love a good movie night with our kids in pop popcorn. But kids get really irritable when they’re on screens too much,” Wallace shares her experience.
In addition to managing screen time, experts also stress the importance of self-care during this period. “The part where moms can get it wrong is where we want it to be so perfect. We want everyone to be happy…. it’s not about that perfection,” Wallace cautions. “It really is about connecting with those that you love.”
Finally, Kersting advises practicing an attitude of gratitude, reframing the holiday break as a positive opportunity for connection and growth rather than a source of stress. “So instead of looking at it like, I got to survive this. Look at it as a breath of fresh air…As this is a wonderful thing,” he suggests.
By embracing these expert tips, parents can better navigate the challenges associated with extended school breaks and focus on creating meaningful memories with their families.
Source: www.foxnews.com
