At-Home School for the Holidays: Tips for a Stress-Free Season

November 23, 2022 byEmily Ewen

4 min to read

An elementary school age girl baking cookies with her father

Tidings, tinsel, and gifts galore—the holidays are often portrayed as a magical season full of fun and celebration. But the reality for many families is that the end of the year brings stress, hectic schedules, and inclement weather.

Holiday events, preparation, and the general busyness of the season can make online school more difficult for families. Let’s explore some ways to set your online students up for success and support their mental health during the holidays.

Planning an Online School Holiday Curriculum

For many online school parents and educators, scheduling is key. From monthly agendas down to daily schedules, a sense of organization goes a long way. But there’s no need to stress if holiday plans start to mess with your carefully laid plans. Here are some tips to keep the learning going throughout season.

Relax your schedule.

The great thing about online schooling is that you can set your own schedule. If you’re used to sticking to a strict calendar, consider a more relaxed approach during the holidays. Many online school parents choose to take a few weeks off between semesters during the holidays to allow for more fun events and family time. Don’t try to squeeze in too many extra winter learning activities. Kids need time to rest and decompress just as much as adults do.

Prioritize reading.

The end of the year can be a good time to slow down and reset before the new year. Take advantage of any extra time by encouraging students to read as much as possible. Independent reading and the freedom to choose their own books can help students discover the fun and adventure in reading and maybe improve their mental health during the holidays. Make a goal as a family to read a certain number of books or host a friendly competition to see who can read the most pages during the month of December.

Add in some “just-for-fun” projects.

Is there an art or science project your child has always wanted to try? The holidays are the perfect time to do it. Consider pausing your regular lessons for a couple days full of arts and crafts or science experiments. The memories you make and the experiential lessons kids learn are just as important as quizzes and tests.

A family prioritizes mental health during the holidays by taking a walk in nature

5 Tips for Kids’ Mental Health During the Holidays

Parents aren’t the only ones who feel the holiday season tension. The hustle and bustle can put everyone’s routines out of whack. Here are some general tips for reducing the impact of holiday stress on your kids:

1. Set an example.

Parents are the main role models for kids’ behavior, which means you can set the tone for how your kids handle holiday stress. If you let the hectic season get to you, your kids will pick up on it. As a parent, make sure you’re taking care of yourself and handling your own stress.

2. Avoid overscheduling.

The month of December brings holiday parties, concerts, and other obligations. It can be tempting to accept every invitation but try to set some boundaries around your schedule. Give your kids a few days to relax between events with family and friends.

3. Ask your kids for help.

Grade-school kids love to help, especially when they receive lots of praise. Invite your child to help in the kitchen with cooking or cleaning up, shopping for gifts, or other tasks around the house. This can help lighten your workload and boost your kids’ self-esteem. When kids participate in chores, they feel important and recognize the value they bring to their family. Research shows that there are benefits to including chores in your child’s routine as early as age 3, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

4. Get out of the house.

When the temperature drops, it’s tempting to stay cozy at home. But kids can start to feel cooped up in the winter months. When it comes to holidays and mental health, fresh air and exercise are essential for mood boosting and alleviating stress. Planning a field trip or adventure day can help. If the weather is too cold, take a trip to the library, the movies, or other indoor activities in your area. You can also plan visits with friends or family.

5. Keep kids moving.

People are often less active during the shorter, colder days of winter, but it’s important to stay active all year round. Regular exercise helps kids maintain strong muscles and bones, builds cardiovascular strength, and improves mental health, according to kids’ health experts. While winter and mental health are not always friends, there are steps you can take to help your kids stay active. If it’s warm enough to be outdoors where you live, take a hike at a nearby trail or explore a new park. Or, if you prefer to stay indoors, aim for a few 15- to 20-minute bursts of movement throughout the day.