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Dear Dr. Cherrye,
Here we go again! It’s okay that teachers are used to making their classrooms full of holiday cheer with lights, decorations, and girl/boy gift exchanges, but as an educator, I want all teachers to be aware of children who may feel a little ‘blue’ during the holidays, but it isn’t because they want to feel blue. It is up to the teachers to make it a merry Christmas, or not.
The holidays can be a stressful time for students even in the school setting. What suggestions do you have for educators all over, and just people in general who may need a few tips of how to manage stressors during this season?
Dear stressors during this season,
Yes, I know. The holidays can be stressful for many children and their families during a season that is supposed to be jolly and bright. Teachers can help ease the tension by paying close attention to the needs and mood swings of children who are not extraordinarily happy and upbeat during these next few days.
IT IS ON YOU ADULTS
It is up to the adults in charge to realize that a child’s stress level may be due to a variety of concerns not in the child’s control. These concerns may consist of, but not limited to parental divorces, deaths, new family member arrivals, financial hardships, food insecurities, incarcerated parent(s), abuse (physical and mental), new marriages, changes in routines, and so much more.
Adults must make themselves aware of the ‘baggage‘ some children bring with them to the classroom settings. Children may be effected and affected by one or more of the concerns mentioned above, and some may become anxious. Not all children are as resilient as others, and the latter may vary. A child may have mood variations; therefore, acting out behaviors may arise. Be ready to counteract with positive actions and ideas that will move the child forward changing the mood to a more positive outcome.
Remember to pull out your bag of thoughtful tips including researching articles that may help with additional ideas such as this one titled, “Helping Kids Cope with Holiday Blues” by Kathryn Mueller (November 7, 2022) in association with Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Foundation; Health and Safety, Mental Health.
OTHER TIPS
~Acknowledge each child by name
~Be sure to have open conversations with children about their feelings
~Acknowledge that you understand what they are going through
~Make meaningful connections with Kids (see this book for ideas)
~Teachers, you can always adapt your parties to include all students (get creative)
~Get help from support staff who are skilled in intervention practices
SUPPORT STAFF
Some children may only require minimum support, while others may call for more extensive support. Be sure to utilize school support services such as Social Workers, Counselors, Behavioral Specialists and CYS workers, when necessary. The goal is go become helpers and advocates for the cause of students holding them up in esteem with purposeful intentions preventing depression and down-trodden feelings.
The Administrative staff should always be in command of program functions on campus. Although those listed above have jobs to do as they intervene making the lives of children wholesome and happy, administrators should always be poignantly aware of the needs of all students enrolled on their campuses (by name), so support staff members involved with student cases must keep school administrators in the loop and vice versa.
In addition, administrators should include this topic in staff development or in the staff meeting closer to he holidays. Remind teachers to be careful and sensitive to all student needs. This may mean becoming very creative and/or modifying holiday activities (think neutral).
CHOOSE CAREFULLY
In addition, choose holiday activities such as parties, and gift exchanges with care. Some parents are not financially able to purchase gifts for their children to bring to school on gift exchange day and give to another boy/girl. The teacher will need to think this through planning ahead. Will the teacher be prepared to step in and purchase a couple extra gifts for those who will not have gifts to exchange? Trust me. All children will have whet appetites in anticipation of participating, if permitted.
RELIGION
Religion is a hot topic that most educators stay away from, and for good reason, but educators must be keenly aware that there may be children whose religion may prevent them from participating in holiday celebrations. Where will these children go during the party? Teachers must always respect parents when they request their child not participate, so plan ahead. Take a look at this article to gather additional ideas: Students Who Don’t Celebrate Holidays (Lessons for Now, 2017).
BE CAREFUL
Finally, all these ideals must be thought through and taken into consideration beforehand. Yes. Be ever so watchful and supportive to all children during the holiday season. Children have enough to think and ponder over without additional issues compounding their little worlds. And, yes I agree with you. It is up to educators to make this season a Merry Christmas, or not! Let us ensure it will be a merry one, and if not merry at least manageable!
OPEN FOR COMMENTS
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.
IMPORTANT
I have made it my mission to assist parents and educators in resolving the bullying issues children suffer. Offering your feedback and suggestions in the comment section could facilitate meaningful dialogue on this critical issue among ourselves and I encourage this. I will respond to each comment in a timely way. Should you wish to speak privately with me, please email me at cherryeVasquez@gmail.com and I will reply promptly.
Please take advantage of my 3 Free resources by downloading them today. One of them includes my FREE Bullying Checklist. If you feel that your child has been bullied, please use the checklist to
Dear Dr. Cherrye:
Such a critical and timely message is this! Yes, a child’s world may seem like a small world to us but it’s a large world to them and their worries, concerns, frets and clouds are ever so fragile in some, more than others, due to the sensitivity levels of the individual child. Indeed, it it not uncommon to witness a cloudburst in those who are unable to contain their personal discomfort, pain and sadness. I trust that many parents, teachers and other caregivers will take your advice to heart and feel appropriate empathy for each and every child in their circumstances, at all times of year but most significantly, in this season when sensitivities are at an all time high.
Your reference links are so helpful and will assist in planning seasonal celebrations to provide inclusivity while still respecting each child’s individual needs and ability/inability to participate. Other appropriate activities that are faith neutral and not observant of any particular faith can be carefully planned so that no child will be isolated. Here is a suggestion – one of perhaps many
How about the entire school have a single Christmas party location (e.g. gym) with age neutral activities, singing and have gift exchanges that are controlled by a name raffle conducted in individual classrooms (due to age). In that manner, each exchange will be age appropriate with the individual child’s name on the gift. All children who will not be celebrating Christmas may share a different location in the school and choose activities that are faith neutral. This can range from art, writing, movies, faith neutral singing and so long as it is enjoyable with fun for all, each child will be included and their spirits lifted.
And treats? Yes – lots of them, some seasonal and some not but let every tummy and heart be filled!
– and a special thanks to you, Dr. Cherrye for providing this valuable support network for all whose priority is providing loving support for ALL children, regardless of faith. No child should ever be treated less than another!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!
Linda,
I absolutely LOVE your suggestions. We must rethink and realign how past holiday festivities have operated in our schools. I hope admin teams all over will heed to your wonderful advice. Sounds so meaningfully perfect and thought provoking. We must pay attention to children who may feel ‘blue’ during this season. We must! Every one of them is so important and we can uplift their spirits by poignantly redesigning the holidays in our schools. Let us do this and going forward make it holiday school traditions!
Happy Holidays, Linda!