The Family Gathering: A Survival Guide

We know from the songs and movies that holidays are supposed to be an exciting, meaningful time for families to reunite and celebrate the things we cherish. We set aside time to practice both religious rituals and family traditions, we give thanks, and, of course, later on, we give presents. But sometimes holiday gatherings are less magical and more, well, stressful.

The vacation from school and work means a break from routine, something kids and parents alike depend on. Many families travel, facing traffic and long airplane rides, to attend one or more family get-togethers with rarely seen relatives who expect kisses and catching up. And most of these occasions will involve unfamiliar vegetable dishes.

Steven Dickstein, MD. a Chappaqua, New York child and adolescent psychiatrist and Rachel Busman, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute from Child Mind Institute, also in New York, have compiled a list of seasonal tips to to help all kids—and parents—enjoy the party.

Read the full article on the Child Mind Institute website to learn how you can minimize conflict over behavior, prepare holiday hosts to know what to expect, discuss social expectations with your kids, manage the overstimulation that is so common during the holidays, and much more.

Child Mind Institute site visitors may download or print this guide for their personal use.

Source: Child Mind Institute | The Family Gathering: A Survival Guide, https://childmind.org/article/the-family-gathering-a-survival-guide | ©2018 Child Mind Institute, Inc.

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