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A Pediatrician's Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress in Kids

2024-12-11

The holiday season is a time of celebration and togetherness, yet it often brings with it a significant amount of stress. From busy social schedules to financial pressures, families face numerous challenges during this time. But with the right strategies, it is possible to find a balance and make the holidays more enjoyable for everyone.

Unlock the Secrets to a Stress-Free Holiday Season

Keep Your Calendar Manageable

During the holiday season, the pressure to attend every social event can lead to a rushed and chaotic experience. It's important to choose the events that you can truly enjoy and gracefully decline the rest. For example, if you're invited to a gathering by your child's soccer team and your work colleagues, assess which one truly matters to you and your family. If you face pushback, simply explain that you have other commitments. Long-distance visits and travel can also be rescheduled, adding an element of anticipation to the new year.

Prioritize Family Health

Maintaining family routines during the holiday rush can bring a sense of peace. Make time for exercise, healthy meals, and plenty of sleep, including naps for the little ones. Be mindful of the time spent on screens and replace digital entertainment with simple pleasures like sipping hot cocoa or taking a walk. It's also a great opportunity to introduce new relaxation techniques like meditation. Give your family the space to take care of themselves and slow down.

Watch for Signs Your Kids Need Extra Support

The holiday hubbub can have a significant impact on a child's mood. Toddlers may have meltdowns due to missed naps and excessive sugar intake, while older children may feel anxious about fitting in. Be attuned to your child's emotions and let them know that you are there to listen. Encourage open conversations about tough subjects, even when things are busy. If your family has experienced a loss, give yourselves permission to adjust the holiday script. Let your kids express their feelings through writing letters or holiday cards to the deceased.

Emphasize the Simple, Positive Side of Giving

The idea that we need to spend a lot of money to celebrate the holidays can cause stress. Set a holiday budget and stick to it as a positive example for your children. One special gift can hold more meaning than a dozen shiny packages. Focus on ways to give that bring joy, such as running errands for a neighbor or inviting friends' children over to play. Encourage your kids to come up with ideas and work together to make a difference.Alexandra Cvijanovich, MEd, MD, FAAP, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and a general pediatrician in Albuquerque, New Mexico, emphasizes the importance of these strategies. She has prior experience in early intervention before attending medical school.

Faculty at Penn's Wharton School have come together with finance professor Itay Goldstein to present a special podcast series. This series delves deep into the various aspects shaping the future of finance. Let's explore the different episodes and the valuable insights they offer.

Uncover the Future of Finance with Penn's Wharton School

The Future of Banking

In this episode, Itay Goldstein is joined by Hyun Song Shin, the economic adviser and head of research at the Bank for International Settlements, and Loretta Mester, the former President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. They focus on the 2023 banking crisis and analyze the collapse of Credit Suisse, Silicon Valley Bank, and other mid-level banks. Mester emphasizes the importance of a healthy banking system, stating that it is crucial for monetary policy to transmit through the economy when financial markets are not functioning properly. She also highlights the need for banks to remain healthy and continue providing credit extension to support the economy.Another aspect discussed is the regulatory gaps and future protections for the banking system. The experts explore how these factors can help prevent similar crises in the future and ensure the stability of the financial sector.

New Phenomena in Behavioral and Social Investing

In this episode, Goldstein and Bloomberg columnist Matt Levine examine the GameStop and AMC meme stock sagas and the influence of social media on market events. Levine points out the interesting phenomenon of GameStop moving like a coordinated social movement for several months, bringing it closer to the financial mainstream. He also compares it to Bitcoin, where its social adoption drives its value.The discussion emphasizes the role of behavioral finance in shaping investor actions and how social trends can disrupt financial markets globally. It shows how these phenomena are not just isolated events but have a significant impact on the financial world.

The Regulatory Challenges of AI in Finance

Here, Goldstein is joined by Tobias Adrian, the financial counselor and director of the International Monetary Fund, to explore the regulatory challenges posed by the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence in finance. Adrian discusses the concerns regarding accountability and decision-making accuracy in traditional automated trading and how it is even more complex in generative AI.The conversation delves into the emerging risks AI introduces to the financial sector and the steps regulatory bodies are taking to mitigate these risks. It highlights the need for a balance between innovation and stability in global financial markets.

The Future of Financial Technology

Fintech leaders Alesia Haas, the CFO of Coinbase, and Michelle Lai, the board member of Electric Coin Co., discuss the rapid changes in financial technology. They examine blockchain innovations and the impact of decentralized finance on digital currencies.Haas emphasizes the shift from the internet to on-chain transactions and how this is the next generation of the internet. She believes that crypto blockchains will transform the way we transact and bring value and data closer together. Lai also shares her insights on how Fintech is set to evolve in the coming years and the potential it holds for the future.For a full list of episodes, visit “The Future of Finance” series page.

India's Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA) has been at the forefront of advocating for a crucial policy change. The ban on futures trading in edible oils, initially imposed in December 2021 and extended multiple times until 20 December 2024, has had significant implications for the agricultural sector. SEA's appeal to key ministers highlights the importance of this issue and the need for a reconsideration.

"The Battle for Edible Oil Futures Trading in India"

Background and Initial Ban

The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has been a vocal advocate for the lifting of the ban on futures trading in edible oils. This ban, first implemented in December 2021, has had a far-reaching impact on the agricultural market. It has affected price risk management and market development, as highlighted in SEA's appeal to five ministers. The extension of the ban until 20 December 2024 has further prolonged the uncertainty faced by farmers and industry players.Studies have shown that futures trading does not significantly drive inflation, a key concern when the ban was implemented. However, the absence of this essential risk mitigation tool has left businesses exposed to greater price volatility. For instance, at the time of the report, soyabean prices were trading below the government-set minimum support price (MSP) of INR 4,892 (US$57.83) /quintal, while rapeseed prices were slightly above its MSP of INR 5,950 (US$70.34).

SEA's Appeal and Industry Perspective

SEA President Sanjeev Asthana emphasized in a letter to the ministers the industry's hope that the suspension would be lifted to enable smoother operations. The association argues that futures trading in internationally traded commodities like crude palm oil and crude soybean oil needs to resume. This is crucial as it provides businesses with a mechanism to manage price risks and ensure stability in the market. Without futures trading, businesses are left vulnerable to sudden price fluctuations, which can have a detrimental impact on their operations and profitability.The ban has not only affected individual businesses but also the overall development of the market. It has limited the options available for farmers and traders to hedge against price risks. By lifting the ban, the government can help create a more resilient and efficient market that benefits all stakeholders.

Future Prospects and the Way Forward

The ongoing debate over the ban on futures trading in edible oils highlights the need for a balanced approach. While concerns about inflation and market stability are valid, it is also important to consider the benefits that futures trading can bring. Resuming futures trading in edible oils can provide a much-needed safety net for farmers and businesses, allowing them to manage price risks more effectively.The government needs to carefully consider the recommendations put forward by SEA and other industry stakeholders. By doing so, it can make informed decisions that promote the growth and stability of the agricultural sector. With the right policies in place, India can harness the potential of futures trading to support farmers and drive market development.