CSS Newsletter

The holiday season is a time of joy and connection, but it can also bring stress and big emotions—especially for children. In this month’s newsletter, Kaitlin shares practical therapeutic coping skills to help your child navigate their feelings with confidence and calm, as well as tips for making the holidays a more peaceful, enjoyable experience for the whole family.

From mindful breathing techniques to creating meaningful traditions, this guide is packed with simple strategies to foster emotional resilience and strengthen family bonds.

Let’s embrace this season together with gratitude and intentionality.

Navigating the Holidays: Therapeutic Coping Skills for Children

Written by Kaitlin Peters, LPC-A

Supervised by Erin Lozano LPC-S, RPTS

Dear Parents,

Understanding Therapeutic Coping Skills

Coping skills are strategies that help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions. For children, developing these skills is crucial as they learn to express themselves and handle life's challenges. Here are some effective coping strategies you can encourage at home:

1. Breathing Exercises: Teaching your child to take deep breaths can help them calm down during stressful moments. You can prompt them to stop and take a big breath, or encourage a fun breathing strategy like the ‘5 Finger Breath’, where you hold your hand out in front of you and then with your other pointer finger, slowly trace your hand, breathing in as you trace up your finger, and breathing out as you trace down your finger.

2. Mindfulness: Try the '5-4-3-2-1' technique: Identify 5 things they can see, 4 they can touch, 3 they can hear, 2 they can smell, and 1 they can taste. This technique can help to reframe distracting and overwhelming thoughts and encourage being present in the moment.

3. Journaling: Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings through writing or drawing. This can be a wonderful way for them to process their emotions and reflect on their day!

4. Physical Activity: Engaging in physical activities, whether it’s dancing, playing sports, or going for a walk, can significantly reduce stress and improve mood.

5. Creative Outlets: Art, music, and crafting can provide a therapeutic outlet for children. Encourage them to explore their creativity and express their feelings!

6. Routine and Structure:Maintaining a consistent daily routine can provide a sense of security for children. As the holidays approach, try to keep regular meal and bedtime schedules to help them feel grounded.

Preparing for the Holidays

The holiday season can be a whirlwind of excitement and stress! Here are some tips to help your child cope with the changes and emotions that may arise:

Set Realistic Expectations: Discuss the fun activities planned but also acknowledge that it can be overwhelming at times.

Encourage Gratitude: Help your child focus on the positives by creating a gratitude jar. Each day, they can write down something they are thankful for and read them together at the end of the month.

Create Family Traditions: Establishing family traditions can provide comfort and stability. Whether it's baking cookies, decorating the house, or watching holiday movies, these activities can enhance family bonding.

Talk About Feelings: Encourage open conversations about emotions. Let your child know it’s okay to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety during this time. Validate their feelings and offer reassurance.

Plan for Downtime: Ensure there’s time for relaxation amidst festivities to help your child unwind and recharge.

As we embrace the spirit of the season, let’s equip our children with the tools they need to cope with their emotions effectively. By fostering a supportive environment and encouraging healthy coping strategies, we can help them navigate the joys and challenges of the holidays! Wishing you and your family a warm and joyful November!!

Warm Regards,

The Center for Social Success

Call for more information or to schedule an appointment at (972)404-3001.