Strategies for Managing Holiday Stress

Families have felt tremendous stress over the past two years due to the pandemic. But for many, this is a special time of year that we fantasize about and look forward to, and it’s not healthy to go into the holiday season at this heightened state of stress and duress.

Perhaps you're anxious about spending time with loved ones in a safe way, or fighting about house rules with your college student who is home. The season may be challenging because it awakens traumas from your past. Or maybe you just want to give your child the emotional break and fun they need, but it’s hard when you can’t unwind yourself.

Today, Gene and Khadijah share strategies to help you feel less overwhelmed this season, and wind down a bit leading up to the new year. Plus, they share favorite songs they’ve been sharing with each other.

Thank you for joining in this conversation. If you have questions or comments, please write to us!

Media List

(follow along with the conversation)

• Coping With Holiday Stress: 11 Parenting Tips (MGH Clay Center)
• AAP, AACAP, CHA declare national emergency in children’s mental health (American Academy of Pediatrics)
• Surgeon General Advisory Raises Alarm on Youth Mental Health (U.S. News)
• Getting to the Finish Line: Will You Choose Endurance or Resilience? (MGH Clay Center)
• 12 Responsibilities For Kids That Make Them Feel Special, According to Experts (Romper)
• 4 ways to create and share music playlists with friends and family (Kim Komando)
• How to Preserve and Share Grandma’s Recipes (WIRED)
• Turning to Gratitude: Conversation Starters – “What song…?” clip (YouTube – MGH Clay Center)
• Supporting Your Child In the Face of Trauma (Project TEACH)
• What we know about the victims of the Michigan school shooting (CBS News)
• Protecting Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• A Parent & Caregiver Resource – Shining Light on Mental Health Through Education (YouTube – MGH Clay Center)

Episode produced by Sara Rattigan

Music by Gene Beresin

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