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Holiday Stress Can be Difficult for Kids

This time of year can be especially difficult for children. With all of the media and consumer hype that typically surrounds Christmas, kids can become overwhelmed.

SIU School of Medicine psychiatry professor Glenn Aylward says there's lots of pressure to get all the "best toys" even toys that children may not really have any interest in. He says anxiety can be common and urges parents to help make the holidays more fun and less stressful. He says parents can make the holiday more stress free by taking care of themselves because  kids can sense when parents are under stress.

Aylward also suggests parents' guide children away from the material focus of the holiday and toward the spirit of the season of giving. He says children's behavior should improve shortly after the holidays when they are back into their normal routines.
 

Jeff Williams is the Associate Director for Radio and Station Manager for WSIU Radio. Jeff is a native of southern Illinois and has been in broadcasting for 30 years. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email wsiuradio@wsiu.org
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