journalfront

ParentsKids

How Holiday Stress Affects Kids and Ways to Cope

2024-12-11

During the holiday season, a parent's to-do list seems to stretch endlessly. Buying gifts, scheduling activities, and decorating - it all takes a toll. This stress not only affects parents but can also spill over onto their children, leading to various issues. Let's explore how to make this holiday season less stressful for both.

Holiday Stress Affects Most Parents

According to a study by the American Psychological Association, two out of five American adults experience higher stress levels between November and January. As many as 89% worry about finances and family conflicts. The approaching holidays bring a busy social calendar, increased shopping, and financial pressures. Juggling all these tasks can significantly raise a parent's stress. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that stress leads to changes in sleep, appetite, and energy. It can also cause anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. In the end, stress takes away the joy of the holidays, and children are not immune to it.

Many Parents Feel Pressure Around the Holidays

The holiday season is a time of excitement but also a source of stress. With a packed social calendar, parents find themselves constantly on the go. Shopping trips become more frequent, and paychecks seem to disappear. Hosting gatherings, meeting work deadlines, and attending school parties add to the pressure. It's a juggling act that can leave parents feeling overwhelmed. This stress can have a negative impact on their physical and mental health.

Your Holiday Stress Can Affect The Kids, Too

Children are highly attuned to their parents' emotions. They can sense the stress around the holidays and it can create a disconnect between parents and kids. This may lead to mental and physical symptoms of stress. Other factors like overstimulation from school activities and changes in routines can also trigger a child's holiday stress. If children perceive their parents' high stress levels, they may believe that the holidays should be a tense and unenjoyable time. This can carry into adulthood as children learn through observation and imitation.

Signs Your Child Is Feeling Stressed

It's important to recognize the signs of stress in children. Excessive fussing or crying, increased worry or anxiety, withdrawing from favorite activities, and more fearful reactions than usual are common. Changes in sleep and eating patterns, clinginess, and physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches can also indicate stress. For children with existing health problems like asthma or eczema, stress can cause flares.

How to Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday Season

Sticking to a familiar routine during the holidays can provide stability. Don't over-schedule the family's calendar; leave some free time for relaxation. Replace stressful traditions with low-key ones. Schedule daily relaxation time by reading books, playing board games, or watching movies. Keep a good sleep schedule even during school breaks. Continue to exercise and eat healthy food to nourish the body. Talk to friends or family about your stress; sharing can be helpful. Listen to your kids if they want to skip an event. Ask for help when hosting gatherings and make it easier by catering meals. Remember to take breaks from the holiday hype.

Key Takeaways

As Botwin suggests, parents should be aware of their stress levels and set boundaries. Focus on spending quality time with family instead of giving in to the pressure to do too much. This is the key to fostering healthy connections and enjoying the holiday season.

As the calendar turns and a new year unfolds, it brings with it a sense of renewal in the realms of fashion and beauty. Just like the turning of a page, we are presented with a plethora of emerging trends waiting to be explored and embraced.

Unlock the Beauty of 2025 with These Defining Trends

Whimsical Floral Hair Arrangements

1: Floral hair arrangements have made a grand comeback in 2025. Imagine delicate blossoms intertwined with your locks, adding a touch of nature's beauty to your overall look. From small daisies to large peonies, these floral accents can transform an ordinary hairstyle into a work of art. Whether it's a simple braid with a flower crown or a full-blown floral headpiece, the possibilities are endless. 2: Not only do floral hair arrangements enhance the aesthetic appeal, but they also bring a sense of freshness and lightness. They can be paired with various outfits, from casual summer dresses to elegant evening gowns. The soft colors and gentle scents of the flowers create a soothing and romantic atmosphere, making you feel like a true flower princess.

Balmy Blush

1: Balmy blush is a must-have for the 2025 beauty scene. This soft and warm shade adds a healthy glow to the cheeks, giving a natural and radiant look. It can be applied in different ways to achieve various effects. For a subtle flush, use a light brush to dust it on the apples of the cheeks. If you want a more intense look, build up the color gradually. 2: Balmy blush works well with both daytime and nighttime looks. During the day, it gives a fresh and youthful appearance, while at night, it adds a touch of sophistication. It pairs beautifully with other makeup elements such as neutral eyeshadows and nude lipsticks, creating a harmonious and balanced look.

The Return of Frosty Blue Eyeshadow

1: Frosty blue eyeshadow is making a strong comeback in 2025. This icy hue adds a cool and ethereal touch to the eyes, making them stand out. It can be used as a base color or layered with other shades for a more dramatic effect. Whether you prefer a soft pastel blue or a bold electric blue, there is a frosty blue eyeshadow to suit every style. 2: Frosty blue eyeshadow is particularly popular for evening looks or when you want to make a statement. It pairs well with dark lips and smoky eyeliner, creating a bold and glamorous look. However, it can also be toned down for a more subtle daytime look by using a lighter hand and pairing it with soft pink or peach lips.

The Rise of Rainbow Mascara

1: Rainbow mascara is taking the beauty world by storm in 2025. This innovative product allows you to create a multi-colored lash effect, adding a fun and playful touch to your eyes. With a variety of colors available, from pastels to bright hues, you can mix and match to create your own unique look. 2: Rainbow mascara is not only a fashion statement but also a way to express your individuality. It can be used for special occasions or simply to add some fun to your everyday makeup. The best part is that it is easy to apply and can be removed with regular makeup remover. So, go ahead and let your lashes shine in all their colorful glory!

Other Notable Trends

1: In addition to the above-mentioned trends, 2025 also brings a host of other exciting beauty developments. From innovative skincare products to unique makeup formulas, there is something for everyone. Keep an eye out for the latest advancements in the beauty industry and embrace the new possibilities. 2: These trends are not just about looking good; they are also about feeling confident and expressing yourself. By experimenting with different looks and products, you can discover new aspects of your personality and enhance your overall self-esteem. So, go ahead and dive into the world of 2025 beauty!

Anne Hathaway, the cover star of the December issue of WWD Weekend, shares her fascinating fashion memories and experiences. From her earliest fashion recollections to her major fashion purchases and the item that has remained in her closet the longest, she opens up in this exclusive interview.

Unveiling Anne Hathaway's Fashion Secrets

Earliest Fashion Memory

Anne Hathaway was truly fortunate as her mom adores clothes and she has two extremely stylish grandmothers. Her earliest fashion memory involves wearing a Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress adorned with tulips. This dress held a special place in her heart as her mom would put her used outfits in her playbox. It was a delightful experience for the young Hathaway.Another aspect of her early fashion life was the influence of her mom. Knowing her love for playing dress-up, her mom would often provide her with used outfits. This not only nurtured her fashion sense but also created a special bond between them.

First Major Fashion Purchase

After landing her first movie, "The Princess Diaries", Hathaway treated herself to a significant fashion purchase. She bought a pair of leather pants from Diesel. The memory of this purchase is vivid as she was a big fan of Angelina Jolie who always wore leather pants. When she got the opportunity to get her own pair, it was a moment of excitement for her.The 3rd Street Promenade became a special place for her as she scouted for the perfect pair of leather pants. This purchase marked a milestone in her fashion journey and showed her growing confidence in her style.

Item in Closet the Longest

After wrapping her other major breakout movie, "The Devil Wears Prada", Hathaway bought a Rick Owens leather jacket which has stayed in her closet ever since. It was a gift to herself and a symbol of her achievements.When she recently got the chance to tell Rick Owens about this jacket, it was a touching moment for her. This jacket has become a part of her identity and a reminder of her career.

Fashion Guilty Pleasures

When it comes to fashion guilty pleasures, Hathaway admits to having an unending love for black boots. She believes that no matter how similar they may look, she can never have enough of them.For her, fashion is not just about looking good but also about enjoying the process. She simply enjoys exploring different styles and adding to her collection.Watch the full clip above to get a deeper insight into Anne Hathaway's fashion world.