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How to Take the Stress Out of the Holidays



                         Help kids rise to the occasion, and don't aim too high


                                                                                                                                                             Sherri Bozer, M.Ed.: Lead Teacher, Social Skills/Focus, Transition
           We are reminded, every year at this time, how difficult holidays can be for people who are lonely or                                              Planning—Sherri brings over 31 years experience teaching in Special
           alone. But let’s be honest: even for families rich in children, holidays can be stressful—both for                                                Education, and is passionate about providing an atmosphere that induces
           parents and kids.                                                                                                                                 learning, where a child's needs are met academically, socially and emotion-
                                                                                                                                                             ally.  New to Granbury, Sherri recently relocated from San Antonio with her
           Why are holidays so fraught? Because expectations are heightened, and holidays can feel like a test                                               husband to be close to their son who serves on the Granbury Police
           of how happy and successful your family is. And if you have children with psychiatric or learning                                                 Department.
           disorders, even favorite traditions can turn into a test of stamina and patience. Here are some tips
           to help minimize stress and make the holidays more fun and fulfilling.


           1. Be open to change.
           Talk with your kids about your traditions — which ones they love and which you might evolve to                                                    Evelyn Hughes, M.Ed.Teacher: ELA/History/Social Studies—I am an
           make them more fun or memorable for everyone. This is especially important when family dynam-                                                     experienced teaching professional with a talent for gaining the trust and
           ics have changed because of divorce, a new marriage or sibling, or a death in the family.                                                         confidence of students. I am highly motivated and resourceful, able to

                                                                                                                                                             quickly identify and resolve challenging classroom situations.  I am excited
           2. Be realistic.                                                                                                                                  to be part of a team that strives to meet each student's needs and enable
           Factoring in kids’ limitations when you make plans will reduce stress on everyone. Kids who are                                                   them to succeed while providing many growth opportunities.  Being 1 of 10
           anxious about meeting new people — or even encountering the extended family — will need support                                                     kids, and growing up in the military I have lived in two countries and more
           and realistic expectations. Kids who have trouble with organization will need help to succeed at gift-                                            than 10 States. I love reading, crafting, camping, baking, and spending time
           giving. Children who tend to be impulsive need structure to minimize disruptive behavior. Not                                                     with my family.
           overestimating your kids’ patience and ability to focus will help you enjoy yourself more, too.

           3. Prep kids for changes in routine.
           Holidays represent a change in a family’s normal schedule, and for some kids that’s unsettling. Pre-                                             Jordan  Johnson,  Certified  8-12  Mathematics.  Jordan comes to us from
           paring them for changes in their routines — what to expect and what you expect of them—will help                                                 San  Antonio  public  schools.  Jordan  and  his  wife,  Erin  recently  moved  to
           head off meltdowns. If you’re traveling, bring familiar toys and books, and make sure you have qui-                                              Granbury to be close to family. They are expecting their first child in March!
           et one-on-one time like reading before bed.                                                                                                      Jordan is passionate about teaching, especially High School math, and will
                                                                                                                                                            also be teaching science.
           4. Give yourself a break.
           Don’t stretch yourself too thin trying to create the “perfect” holiday season. Decide what is im-
           portant, prioritize, and say “no” to what you can’t handle.


           5. Be sure to laugh.
           Kids pick up their parents’ stress and tension, so they’re more likely to be irritable if you are. Have a
           sense of humor, enjoy your kids for who they are, and keep in mind that what you’ll all remember                                                  Kristian Woods, Social Work Intern/Tartleton State University,
           when it’s over is likely to be the unexpected moment when everybody was relaxed, not the brilliant-                                               Transition planning & LPA Program support:
           ly choreographed party, dinner, or outing.                                                                                                        Kristian is a graduate Social Work Intern. She recently graduated  with
                                                                                                                                                             her BS in SW. She is from a small town, and lives in Stephenville
           For more helpful articles from Child Mind Institute go to: https://ChildMind.org.                                                                 and is hoping to stay local after graduation. Kristian really
                                                                                                                                                             enjoys being a part of Lake Pointe Academy!
           https://childmind.org/article/how-to-take-the-stress-out-of-the-holidays/

                                                                                                                                                                       Welcome, Spartans!
           Accessed 26  Sept. 2017
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