More Crumbs than Calm: Coping with Children Over the Holidays
The holiday season can feel magical, but it’s also a time of extra demands, change of routines, and family expectations. For parents and caregivers, managing your own wellbeing while looking after children can be challenging. You may find yourself feeling tense, short-tempered, or emotionally drained — even though, outwardly, everything seems fine. You’re not alone.
Why am I always on edge?
Many parents feel pressure to make the holidays perfect, keep children entertained, and maintain ‘perfect’ family harmony. You may cope by pushing through fatigue, suppressing frustration, or constantly trying to meet everyone’s needs. Even when everything appears to be running smoothly, this constant vigilance can leave you feeling depleted.
Coping doesn’t mean thriving
Parents who are “managing” often:
Prioritise children’s (or family’s) happiness over their own needs
Keep themselves busy to avoid moments of stress
Appear calm while feeling tense or frustrated inside
Struggle to connect with their own emotions amid holiday chaos
This isn’t failure. It reflects how your body and mind respond to stress and responsibility. We might be so focused on our tasks that we forget our needs.
Strategies to support yourself and your children
Set realistic expectations:
Let go of perfection and focus on meaningful moments.Schedule downtime:
Even short breaks for yourself help recharge your capacity.Communicate openly:
Share feelings and needs appropriately with family members.Prioritise essentials:
Choose the activities that matter most to your family and skip the rest.Practice grounding techniques:
Simple breathing or mindfulness exercises (e.g. mindful walks, breath meditations) can calm your nervous system.
Don’t wait for exhaustion to take action
Remember, you can’t fill from an empty cup. Small, consistent strategies can prevent holiday stress from becoming overwhelming. Being mindful of your own needs helps you stay present and emotionally available for your loved ones.
If you’re struggling to cope or feel emotionally depleted, speaking with a psychologist can help you develop practical strategies and emotional support tailored to your family’s needs.
Parenting through the holidays doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your wellbeing — support is available, and you’re not alone. Get in touch with us if you would like some support.
