Technolandy

Day 74 (of 2024/25) The holidays can be an anxious time for some kids. Here’s how parents can help. — good reminders via @CanadianPress

The holidays can be an anxious time for some kids. Here’s how parents can help. — The Canadian Press

Kids Help Phone provides free support and resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Phone 1-800-668-6868. Children and youth can text 686868 and adults can text 741741.

The hap-hap-happiest time of year! Triggering traditions to uncertain expectations and a über enhanced change of predictability and expectations as we go from house to house. Meet people we don’t want to meet. Get served food that looks icky. Ugh. The stress-stress-stressiest time of year!!

Kids pick up on the financial pressures of this time of year. 

There is always anticipation of disappointment of gifts. The pressure is real – and not every dad can get a red Ryder BB gun (movie: A Christmas Story)

Pressures of exclusion are real – especially for those who do not observe the dominant religion (even if/as it hides as a secular observance with commercial impacts influencing traditions (tv: Charlie Brown Christmas)

Firsts abound – from the good – first with baby x; to the bad – first without…. and anniversaries are hard…

And dealing with some relatives can be not enjoyable – especially when exclusion isn’t sentiments are shared (gender isn’t, racist, homophobic etc)

Just because tv, movies and social media’s like to make it seem like a magical time of year – just remember that “magic” is a spectrum and not everyone is doing well in December. Two weeks without the structure and supports of school is even a little scary for some.

Watch this clip from the end of Scrooge’s… Bill Murray nails it:

Spoilers if you haven’t seen it, and trigger warning: Bobcat Goldthwait does use a gun (nobody is harmed) https://youtu.be/9rznhiJXdR4?si=Odc-kEjF5159G0Wp

Think of others with a little extra love in your own heart 🎄