The Academy Preschools Help Children Navigate Stress

The holidays that are fast upon us are often filled with joy, but for preschool and daycare-aged children, they can also bring new stress. From Halloween costumes to Thanksgiving gatherings and December celebrations, kids may feel overwhelmed. During holidays, routines shift and emotions can run high. They may need extra support at preschool and at home. The Academy Preschools know just how to help children navigate stress during holidays.

The Academy Preschools Know How to Celebrate

At our daycare, we focus on making holidays fun and manageable for young children, blending learning with celebration. Celebrations at this age are less about perfection and more about connection.

Young children rely on predictability to feel safe. So, we keep classroom celebrations simple and familiar. When routines change and expectations grow, stress can show up as clinginess, tantrums, or fatigue. Recognizing these signs early allows us as caregivers to respond with patience and reassurance.

Some Tips for Parents

Understanding the challenges of holidays for our little ones helps us guide them through the holiday seasons with care. Together, we can help your child embrace the magic of the season with confidence and joy.

Halloween: Excitement and Anxiety

Costumes, candy, and decorations are thrilling, but also confusing. Scary costumes, loud parties or too much sugar can lead to meltdowns. Parents can ease stress by choosing comfortable costumes, practicing at home, and keeping trick-or-treating short and sweet.

Thanksgiving: Big Crowds and Big Feelings

Large family gatherings can overwhelm preschoolers. Strange foods, busy kitchens, and new faces may spark anxiety. Preparing your child ahead of time helps. Explain who they’ll see, what foods will be there, and where they can take a break. Offering a familiar snack alongside the turkey can also give comfort.

Christmas and Hanukkah: Too Much, Too Fast

December holidays bring bright lights, gifts, and nonstop activity. For young children, this sudden burst of change can be overstimulating. Skipped naps, late nights, and too many sweets often add up to cranky moods. Parents can help by protecting core routines like bedtime and snack time.

The Academy Seasonal Programs

The Academy is not just for kids…it’s for your WHOLE family. In addition to the October through December holidays, we celebrate with other family-oriented seasonal programs. Learn more about our seasonal programs.