MINNEAPOLIS — While the holidays are meant to be enjoyable, sometimes things can become stressful with all the shopping, parties, and running around.
It can all lead to overstimulated kids and overwhelmed parents.
Developmental psychologist and co-host of Mom Enough podcast, Dr. Marti Erickson, joined KARE 11 Saturday with tips on how to bring more joy and calm into your family holidays by realizing that, for many of us, "less is more."
I. Why is there often such a disconnect between the idealized images of Christmas and the realities of many well-meaning families?
Moms often become overwhelmed because the burden of holiday responsibilities falls on them. And their stress creates stress for others: "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."
Children are easily overstimulated, even by fun activities. "Too much of a good thing" really is too much! And children's stress exacerbates parental stress, a vicious cycle.
II. Tips for parents: being mindful and intentional about creating realistic holiday plans
Have a family meeting to make a realistic plan together.
Identify the activities and rituals you value most.
Simplify or eliminate tasks that don't necessarily add value.
Block out "white space" on your holiday calendar.
WATCH MORE ON KARE 11+
Download the free KARE 11+ app for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and other smart TV platforms to watch more from KARE 11 anytime! The KARE 11+ app includes live streams of all of KARE 11's newscasts. You'll also find on-demand replays of newscasts; the latest from KARE 11 Investigates, Breaking the News and the Land of 10,000 Stories; exclusive programs like Verify and HeartThreads; and Minnesota sports talk from our partners at Locked On Minnesota.
- Add KARE 11+ on Roku here or by searching for KARE 11 in the Roku Channel Store.
- Add KARE 11+ on Fire TV here or by searching for KARE 11 in the Amazon App Store.
- Learn more about the KARE 11+ app for Apple TV in the Apple App Store.
- Learn more about KARE 11+ here.