Lower Kids' Holiday Stress

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Adults can get pretty stressed out during the holidays, but parents need to remember that kids feel rushed, too. New Mexico State University's Anna María Pérez-Wright has family friendly holiday tips.

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Even though holidays are a happy time for families, they can be stressful. Child and family life specialist Diana DelCampo with New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service says even kids can get stressed during holidays, so parents may want to spend time with them one-on-one.

"That can have a very calming effect on you and the children, even if it's ten minutes of uninterrupted interaction. You can listen to what your children have done, they might even read you a story, they might show you an assignment. But look at them in the eyes, don't let anything else distract you. It can be very satisfying and it can be really comforting to you and your children."

Asking kids to help with holiday tasks can help relieve parents' stress and make the kids feel involved. Older kids can bake goodies or wrap gifts. Younger children can help make decorations. DelCampo says parents should observe the "rule of two."

"What I mean by that is only go out two times a week, maximum. Spend the rest of that time with your children. Even if this means missing the neighborhood party, or missing things with out-of-town friends, it's really important that you take the time to enjoy your children."

Lastly, DelCampo says savor old family traditions with your children or start some of your own. For N-M-S-U's College of Agriculture and Home Economics, I'm Anna María Pérez-Wright.