School Psych Made Simple
Surviving The Season
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Although the weather outside isn’t exactly frightful yet, we are in the throws of the holiday season! The songs and carols make it sound like it is all fun and games…"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!", right?? Well for both parents and kids alike, this month can be one of the most stressful times of the year!
Parents, do you look at your calendars and wonder how you are going to fit a load of end-of- the season sports parties, scouting outings, fund-raising galas, office parties and family gatherings into three weekends? How do you fit in shopping for presents, cleaning, and decorating, let alone getting through the mundane work week with things like homework and making dinner?? It seems daunting and certainly stressful. We push ourselves to the limits of what is humanly possible - starting with getting up at 4:00 am for the Black Friday sales at Kohls and staying up past midnight wrapping presents before the first night of Chanukkah or Christmas morning. We wind up committing to things that we probably should say no to. Our desire to be a part of the crowd, or to appear helpful or to be recognized as an involved parent or co-worker may force us into uncomfortable situations in which we may feel we have no choice but to say yes to whatever the request is. According to Christine Carter, PhD., author and senior fellow at the Greater Good Science Center, there are ways to make saying “no” feel less uncomfortable. Being prepared with these strategies can really help to de-stress the most wonderful time of the year!
Kids feel the stress too!
MaryAnn Colucci, School Psychologist
Email: mcolucci@jerichoschools.org
Location: Cantiague Elementary School, Cantiague Rock Road, Jericho, NY, United States
Phone: (516)203-3600
Twitter: @ColucciMaryAnn