Helping Young Children Stay Calm, Confident, and Connected During December
The holiday season is often filled with joy, celebration, and special traditions—but for young children, it can also bring big emotions and overwhelm. Changes in routine, extra treats, busy schedules, and large gatherings can feel exciting and exhausting all at once. At Lyndon Learning Childcare, we recognize that December can be a challenging time for emotional regulation, especially for preschool-aged children.
Understanding why holiday stress in kids happens—and how to support them through it—can make the season more peaceful and enjoyable for the whole family.
Why December Feels So Big for Young Children
Children thrive on predictability. Familiar routines help them feel safe and in control of their world. During the holidays, those routines often change—later bedtimes, skipped naps, extra screen time, different caregivers, and busy social events. While adults may enjoy the festive pace, young children often lack the emotional tools to process it all at once.
Add in sugary treats, loud environments, and high expectations for “good behavior,” and it’s no surprise that emotions can feel bigger than usual. What may look like misbehavior is often a child’s way of saying, “I’m overwhelmed.”
Recognizing this is a key part of social-emotional learning and helps adults respond with empathy rather than frustration.
How Teachers Support Emotional Regulation in the Classroom
At Lyndon Learning Childcare, our teachers anticipate the emotional shifts that come with the holiday season and adjust classroom practices to support children’s well-being. Many of these strategies can easily be mirrored at home.
1. Keeping Routines as Consistent as Possible
Even during festive months, we maintain predictable daily rhythms—circle time, snack, play, and rest. This structure gives children a sense of security amid change.
At home, parents can support this by keeping bedtimes, meals, and nap schedules as consistent as possible, even during holiday breaks. A familiar routine helps children regulate emotions and transitions more smoothly.
2. Creating Calm Spaces
In our classrooms, teachers offer calm areas where children can take a break when they feel overwhelmed. These spaces may include soft pillows, books, or sensory tools like stress balls.
Parents can create a similar calm corner at home—a quiet spot where children can reset during busy gatherings or after exciting events. This isn’t a timeout; it’s a self-regulation tool that supports emotional regulation for children.
3. Naming and Validating Feelings
Teachers regularly help children name their emotions:
“I see you’re feeling frustrated.”
“It looks like you’re really excited right now!”
This practice builds emotional vocabulary and helps children understand that feelings are normal and manageable. At home, parents can use the same language to validate emotions before guiding behavior.
4. Balancing Excitement With Rest
While holiday activities are fun, children still need downtime. Teachers plan quieter activities like reading, drawing, or mindfulness exercises after high-energy moments.
At home, balance festive events with calm moments—cozy story time, puzzles, or gentle music. This helps children process stimulation and prevents emotional overload.
Supporting Children During Gatherings and Schedule Changes
Holiday gatherings can be especially overwhelming for young children. Here are some ways to help:
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Talk about plans ahead of time so children know what to expect.
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Bring a comfort item like a favorite stuffed animal or book.
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Watch for early signs of overstimulation, such as clinginess or irritability, and offer breaks before emotions escalate.
Maintaining even small parts of holiday routines for preschoolers—like bedtime stories or morning rituals—can provide a sense of normalcy.
A Season of Connection, Not Perfection
The holidays don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. When adults prioritize emotional well-being and connection over schedules packed with activities, children feel safer and more supported.
At Lyndon Learning Childcare, we view the holiday season as an opportunity to teach emotional awareness, flexibility, and kindness. By using calming strategies both at school and at home, families can help children navigate excitement without becoming overwhelmed.
With patience, empathy, and a few simple tools, December can be a season of joy—not just for adults, but for little ones too.