Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster: Children’s Wellbeing Post-Christmas Holidays

Ah, the time after Christmas! It’s a bit of a rollercoaster, especially for children. After all the festive fun, getting back to the usual routine can feel like a real bummer. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or teacher, it’s important to help children handle their emotions during this transition and start the new year on a positive note.

The Post-Holiday Blues: It’s a Real Thing

First off, let’s recognise that the post-holiday blues are totally real, even for children. After all the excitement of Christmas – presents, family time, and no school, getting back to early bedtimes, homework, and regular life can be tough. Children might feel moody, grumpy, or a little sad, and that’s okay.

See the World Through Their Eyes

To really get where they’re coming from, think about it from their perspective. The holidays are like this magical world where everything’s fun and the rules are a bit looser. When that world goes away, it’s natural for children to feel a bit of a let down.

Talk It Out

The first step in helping children deal with these feelings is to talk about them. Share how you’re feeling about the end of the holidays and encourage them to share, too. Let them know it’s totally normal to miss the fun times, and that it’s okay to feel a little down.

Routine: The Comforting Hero

As boring as it sounds, getting back into a routine can be really comforting for children. It gives them a sense of stability. Slowly reintroducing regular schedules for meals, bedtime, and activities can help them settle back into everyday life more easily.

New Year, New Fun

Why not use this time to get them excited about the new year? Talk about the things they’re looking forward to – like a school event, a sport they love, or a fun family trip. Focusing on upcoming fun can make the transition smoother.

Keep the Fun Going

Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Plan some small, enjoyable activities throughout January. It could be a family movie night, baking cookies together, or doing a fun craft project. These little moments can give them something to look forward to and help ease the transition.

Mindfulness and Relaxation

Teaching children simple ways to relax and be mindful can really help. Try activities like deep breathing, colouring, or quiet reading time. These can be great tools for managing any overwhelming feelings or sadness.

Get Moving

Physical activity is a fantastic mood booster. Whether it’s a family walk, a bike ride, or just some time at the playground, getting moving can help shake off the post-holiday blues.

Building Resilience

Use this time to help build your child’s resilience. Talk about the good things that come with getting back to routine. Remind them that while holiday time is special, there’s a lot to enjoy in everyday life, too.

The time after Christmas can be a bit challenging for children, but with a little understanding, open communication, and some fun activities, you can help them navigate these feelings and start the new year off right. Here’s to a smooth transition and a happy new year for the little ones in your life!