Your Child’s Holiday Character Has Entered the Chat

The holidays stir up excitement and unpredictability.

Kids feel this even more intensely because they have less experience managing complex emotions and change. Sudden schedule shifts, late nights, unfamiliar places, and high expectations can create emotional pressure that shows up as clinginess, meltdowns, or bursts of high energy.

Imagine the holidays from your child’s perspective.

School routines disappear. Adults are busier and more stressed than usual. Houses look different. Rules sometimes loosen, sometimes tighten, and many moments feel out of order.

Kids notice every bit of this.

When life feels inconsistent, children rely on a predictable connection. This is why some kids suddenly want to be near you every second. It doesn’t mean they are regressing... it usually means they feel less anchored.

A helpful strategy is to create a “holiday rhythm” rather than a strict schedule.

This could be as simple as breakfast together, a quiet midday break on weekends, or a bedtime wind-down ritual. These tiny anchors help kids feel secure even when everything else feels busy.

You can also set expectations ahead of time! Preparing kids for what the day might look like reduces anxiety. Tell them who will be at a gathering, how long you plan to stay, and what choices they will have.

Predictability helps kids feel braver, calmer, and more cooperative.

The holidays will always be busy, but with a little preparation, your child can move through the season with comfort and confidence.

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Holidays are full of bright lights, loud music, strong smells, treats, crowds, and constant activity.

Even kids who seem laid back can hit a point where their sensory system gets overwhelmed.

This often shows up as hyperactivity, irritability, rapid mood swings, or a sudden inability to listen. Parents sometimes mistake this as misbehavior, but it is more like a natural “overflow” response.

Think about the last time you left a noisy store or a crowded event and felt completely drained.

Kids feel the same sensations but have fewer tools to regulate.

Their brains are still learning how to filter stimuli, which means excitement can quickly shift from fun to overload.

A great way to support your child is to reduce stimulation before it becomes too much.

If you notice your child getting louder, more impulsive, or unable to wind down, that is a cue that their nervous system needs a break. You can try stepping outside for fresh air, offering quiet activities like drawing or reading, or creating a “cozy corner” for downtime.

You can also prepare them by explaining that busy days need balancing moments.

Kids like having choices, so offer two calm options. This keeps them involved and builds self-awareness.

Most importantly, reassure your child that nothing is wrong with them.

Their body is simply communicating a need. When kids learn to recognize and respond to these signals early, they build emotional regulation skills that will help them long after the holidays end.

During holiday gatherings, some kids light up.

Others disappear into another room, cling to a parent, or seem unusually quiet.

This “silent withdrawer” persona often surprises families, especially if the child is social at home or school. What looks like shyness or rudeness is often a nervous system coping strategy.

Large gatherings can feel overwhelming for kids.

There may be unfamiliar faces, new social expectations, or adults who ask a lot of questions.

This can create pressure that shuts kids down.

They’re not being difficult… they’re protecting themselves from an environment that feels too intense.

One key way to support these kids is to avoid forcing them to participate in every activity or at every moment.

Instead, focus on gentle comfort and allow them time to warm up. Kids who feel safe tend to open up naturally. You can also give them a “job” such as handing out napkins or helping set out snacks. Purpose helps them feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

Let them choose how they want to enter the space. Some may prefer staying close to you at first. Others may want a quiet activity or a familiar toy.

Instead of saying “Go say hi,” you can say “You can wave, smile, or say hello when you feel ready.”

Later, reflect with your child without judgment.

Ask what felt hard and what might help next time. This helps them build social confidence and teaches them that you are their safe base in new environments.

Quiet kids thrive with patience and support. When you honor their pace, they feel seen and understood during a season that often asks a lot of them.

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Last week, we asked: Which part of Thanksgiving would you choose if your goal is to help your child learn and live out true Thanksgiving values?

Here’s how you voted:

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🥧 Time spent with extended family (25%)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🦃 Helping with food or chores (12.5%)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🍂 Meaningful one on one connection (12.5%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🙌 Talking about gratitude and values (50%)

Parents overwhelmingly chose talking about gratitude and values, which made up half of all responses. Time spent with extended family came in next, followed by helping with food or chores, and meaningful one-on-one connection.

What stands out is how many families want to slow down and use the holiday as a moment to reflect on what really matters. Kids learn best through simple conversations that connect their daily experiences to family values. Even a quick chat about gratitude can help them build empathy, self-awareness, and appreciation in ways that last long after the leftovers are gone.

We’re asking parents like you to share their thoughts on topics that matter each week! Cast your vote and see what others think! We’ll chat more about the results next week. 👀

1. Insight Timer Kids

Free guided meditations and calming music that help kids reset during holiday chaos.

2. Toca Boca

Toca Boca offers open-ended digital play that encourages creativity and independent exploration, giving kids a calm and engaging way to unwind during busy holiday moments.

3. Daylio Journal

For older kids to reflect on moods, energy levels, and moments that feel overwhelming.

4. Chalk and Code Podcast Episode with Raj Valli

Hear Thinkster CEO Raj Valli share why strong study habits matter as much as intellect and how the right mix of AI and human guidance builds lifelong learners.

Every child shows a different side of themselves during the holidays.

When we look at these behaviors as communication rather than frustration, we help our kids feel understood, supported, and loved during a busy season.

Thanks for joining us in raising kind, capable, and confident humans. We’re so glad you’re here.

❤️ Loved this issue? Have thoughts, questions, or topic ideas?

Share your vote below or drop us a note at [email protected].