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Surround yourself with the light and love of our support and understanding as we enter 2010 together.
~Mary Scribner & Elizabeth Coplan
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Recent Issues
Do It For You!
December 2009
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December 28, 2009
December 25, 2009
Let There Be Peace on Earth
December 23, 2009
Holiday Stress-Less Tips from Around the Web
Rather than competitive group activities-like card or board games-seek out calming and cooperative things to do.
December 21, 2009
Holiday Stress-Less Tips from Around the Web
If you plan to cook a holiday dinner for your extended family, arrange for one of your child's favorite relatives to "buddy" with her while you're busy.
From Helping kids with AD/HD behave during the holidays on greatschools.net.
December 19, 2009
What is the best way to avoid holiday stress?
Set a schedule and display it where the entire family can see it. Include details like who else will be in attendance and whether travel will be involved. This should help eliminate the anxiety that can surround unexpected events. You may also want to schedule family time at home and pick a relaxing activity to do together, such as playing a board game, watching a favorite holiday video, or making cookies.
Answered by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA).
December 17, 2009
Holiday Parenting Strategies -- Help Others "Get it"
Help relatives understand and work with your child. Briefly explain to them what techniques work and what situations to avoid.
December 14, 2009
Holiday Parenting Strategies -- Create a Special Signal
If your child is easily overwhelmed or sensory sensitive or suffers from an anxiety producing challenges, consider creating a special signal that let's you know he's ready to leave.
Perhaps it's as simple of a nod of his head towards the car.
Once at a party I suggested to my son that when he was ready to go he sit in the chair near the door. After about a half-hour, when the volume of people seemed to double, I looked over. Sure enough, there he was, and although I wanted to stay and visit with the many friends now at the party, I honored our commitment. The two of us went home to hot chocolate and a movie, just the two of us.
December 12, 2009
Holiday Parenting Strategies -- Communicate/Be Open and Understanding
Let your children know that you are on their side, you understand them, and know they can be successful. You believe in them. You are there to teach and support them.
December 10, 2009
Holiday Parenting Strategies -- Be Honest with Yourself
When making holiday plans, cut them in half. Let go of the number and length of celebrations around big holiday events and gatherings.
Choose events wisely. Match your child's temperament and ability to succeed with the appropriateness of the event.
Plan ahead. Prepare your child for new people and new surroundings. Arrive early. Give her plenty of time to adapt.
Don't take your child's unruly behavior personally. He does not have the coping skills to go shopping, bake holiday cookies, and go to the Nutcracker all in one day. He may not be developmentally ready to sit quietly while all of the adults are talking around the dinner table.
December 8, 2009
Holiday Parenting Strategies -- Check your Expectations
The holidays offer many emotion packed feelings that range from joyfulness and excitement, to anger, frustration, and disappointment.
By keeping our expectations in check and managing our stress levels, we can enjoy our experiences and each other.
We often tell parents that unless they manage their own stress with adequate self care, they will not have the resiliency it takes to help their children manage theirs.
December 3, 2009
Holiday Stress-Less Tips from Around the Web
Sunglasses - Bright lights and colors can be overwhelming and can give anyone a headache. Your child may respond to sunglasses to help cut down on some of the intensity of the colors or lights.
