Child therapist shares 7 phrases to make kids feel safe and comfortable during the holidays

The holidays can be a great time to bond with family. It is also an enchanting and magical period for kids. With all the presents and treats it brings, the festive cheer seeps right in. However, for certain kids, especially those of a younger age, it can be overwhelming to be surrounded by the loud festivities and excited crowds, even if it is family. This discomfort often causes children to get cranky and worked up, which somehow affects the holiday atmosphere. Child therapist and mom Jess–who goes on Instagram by @nurturedfirst–shared seven tips she uses during the holidays to make her child feel safe and calm.

The mom shared how children tend to get nervous around large family gatherings and that there are ways to help ease the situation. She explained in the caption of an Instagram post: "My toddler was nervous. We were surrounded by a family she hadn’t seen in a long time. I held her hand and whispered in her ear, 'You can stay with me as long as you need. I trust when you are ready to play, you’ll go.'" In the carousel post, she shared seven phrases that are quite self-explanatory as to why they would work. 

The first statement is something parents can use when family or guests arrive or if one is traveling to a guest's house for the holidays. It reads, “Sit with me as long as you need. I know you’ll go play when you are ready.” The next statement is one parents can use to bond with their child and try to understand what future approaches to take while visiting or inviting guests. It reads, “How do your mind and body feel after our time at _______’s house?” It may help the child open up about what may be troubling them and parents can seek necessary alternatives.

The next phrase is a generic one. It can help distract the child or simply help one locate and address elements they like to get into the holiday spirit and have something to look forward to. “What do you love most about being a kid during the holidays?” the third pointer reads. The next phrase is, “If anything makes you uncomfortable, come tell me.” It assures one’s child that their parent is there for them and they have nothing to be worried or nervous about. Another quite important point one must mention is, “You can say yes or no to hugs from any family member.” The mom shared the next phrase, which can serve as a reminder for kids of all ages. It reads, “Your job is to be a kid. You get to go laugh, have fun and play!”

The mom shared the last phrase for when kids get worked up or overwhelmed during gatherings. It reads, “Do you need a little break? A lot is going on in this room right now.” Several parents appreciated the phrases that can help them understand their kids better and make the holiday gatherings more doable, safe and comfortable. @mama.uploading said, “The ‘do you need a break’ got me. My baby being so young this weekend, I realized if I was overwhelmed, he was bursting at the seams. I would just take him away from it all and we came back so much better.” @plain_jane_81 said, “I love the 'Do you need a break?' at all large gatherings. I was so surprised at my son's appreciation for this.”