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December 13, 2001 Tips for reducing family stress during the holidays from the Intercollegiate College of Nursing
Giving versus receiving - a child's
perspective: Parents frequently
find the task of helping children appreciate the
value of giving, rather than receiving,
difficult. Children need to have realistic
expectations and learn that a wish is not a
command. When that appreciation is found, the
holiday season becomes an entirely new
experience, offering rewards greater than
imagined. Washington State University Intercollegiate College of Nursing Assistant Professor Janiece DeSocio recommends parents teach the meaning of Christmas through gift giving, offering a child balance during this exciting season. Parents can involve their children by looking for ways to help others as a part of experiencing a season of giving. Encouraging children to contribute toys, mittens or other items to a charitable cause provides perspective and appreciation for the greater needs in the community and society. For assistance in reaching DeSocio, jdesocio@wsu.edu, contact Susan Nielsen, director of communications, marketing and public relations at the College of Nursing, 509/324-7372, susann@wsu.edu. What's a parent to do when kids misbehave during the holidays?: We anticipate the holidays as a time of joy and festive gatherings with friends and family, but often stress is also a part of that package. Just like adults, children can experience the stress of the holidays. Routines such as bedtime, mealtime and familiar surroundings go out the window. The holiday changes increase children’s anxiety, which can tend to create bad behavior. Parent stress from shopping, cooking or traveling can also trickle down to children, heightening tension for the family as a whole. Washington State University Intercollegiate College of Nursing Assistant Professor Janiece DeSocio offers some helpful parenting suggestions to prevent and handle behavior changes. Give kids a “heads up” on upcoming events and activities. This will give children accurate expectations and increased security. Attempt to maintain as much routine as possible with meal times, bed times and nap times. For traveling families, ensure children have their own individual comforts present, such as a favorite blanket, pillow or toy. For assistance in reaching DeSocio, jdesocio@wsu.edu, contact Susan Nielsen, director of communications, marketing and public relations at the College of Nursing, 509/324-7372, susann@wsu.edu. Bereavement and the Holidays: The death of a family member, be it recent or years ago, often overshadows the joy and excitement of the holidays. Those facing their first holiday without a special family member or friend should not set expectations too high and remember that some holidays and traditions will not be the same. Intercollegiate College of Nursing /WSU College of Nursing Assistant Professor Dr. Jan Lohan suggests keeping a connection to the deceased by starting a new tradition in their memory - light a candle or create a special decoration in their honor. Anticipate depression and combat it by working in a soup kitchen, delivering meals or some other kind of volunteer work that gets you involved with others. During the holidays, expect to see behavior changes in children affected by a recent loss. Children often do not have words to express the intense feelings they are experiencing, so they act out. For assistance in reaching Lohan, lohan@wsu.edu, contact Susan Nielsen, director of communications, marketing and public relations at the College of Nursing, 509/324-7372, susann@wsu.edu or Allison Kratt, communications writer, at (509) 324-7218, akratt@mail.wsu.edu. The Healthy Side of Pine: Debating whether to get a cut, live or artificial pine tree this year for Christmas? The positive effects of the scent of true pine oil may influence your decision. Smell is connected to the part of the brain that forms and retrieves memory. The lingering smell of pine may bring back memories of holiday gatherings with family and friends, but in addition to happy memories your body may be benefiting from the medicinal effects of this useful oil. The essential oil of pine is steam distilled from the needles and is effective in treating bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, and has been found to relieve both rheumatic pain and nervous exhaustion. A live tree can act as an air disinfectant with the scent of the needles able to help fight respiratory infections and coughs explains Intercollegiate College of Nursing/WSU College of Nursing Preceptor, RN and Clinical Aromatherapist, Janis Burke. If you prefer an artificial tree, you can place a few drops of pure pine oil (available through a reputable dealer such as scentsability.com) at the base in an absorbent cloth or in a dish of warm water to release the oil into the air. Since pine oil can help relieve congestion, it also helps to take in a healthy breath and, according to some sources, improve self-image and acceptance. When you consider the hectic schedules we keep this time of year, along with the cold weather and stiff joints many must endure, it is refreshing to realize that the smell of pine can both refresh and soothe! For assistance in reaching Burke, burkej@wsu.edu, contact Susan Nielsen, director of communications, marketing and public relations at the College of Nursing, 509/324-7372, susann@wsu.edu or Allison Kratt, communications writer, at (509) 324-7218, akratt@mail.wsu.edu. |
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