5 strategies to help little kids manage big feelings at the holidays, from Fred Rogers Productions

The holidays are here — a season full of excitement, schedule changes and lots of “big feelings.” Although many children love this time of year, it can also be challenging.

So Kidsburgh spoke with Mallory Mbalia, director of learning and education at Fred Rogers Productions, to get some useful strategies to help kids manage their emotions during the holiday season. Here are five ideas that Mallory shared with us:

1. Talk about your family’s plans: “When we do something new, let’s talk about what we’ll do.” If you’ll be going to a new place or meeting new people during the holiday season, it’s helpful to talk with children in advance about what to expect.

2. Share about schedule changes. “Things may change and that’s OK. Today, we can do things a different way.” Is your child’s daily routine or bedtime routine going to change during the holidays? Or are they expecting something to happen that may not occur as they’re anticipating? Take a page from the “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” playbook by sharing this strategy. Explaining the changes to children can help make it easier for them to adapt.

3. Let kids know that big feelings are part of life. “It helps to say what you’re feeling.” There can be some big feelings during this season. Encouraging children to share the emotions they’re experiencing can validate their feelings and help them feel valued, comforted and understood. Also, remember this advice from the world of Fred Rogers: “Sometimes you feel two feelings at the same time… and that’s OK.” 

4. Talk about the family traditions and little moments you share. “I love the special things I do with you.” Share with children that the special things that you do as a family or with friends are of high value. Take time to cherish the moments you had together each day during the holiday season. Let them know that being together is special to you.

5. Notice and talk about the little ways family members can express love. “There are many ways to say I love you.” This piece of advice came directly from Mister Rogers himself. During the holidays, sharing that others are loved gives a “very good feeling.” Little things like being together, sharing, helping to clean up and hugging are some of the many ways to say I love you.

Photo at top of story by Seljan Salimova via Unsplash.