Why Do Some Children Feel More Anxious at Christmas?

I don’t want to be a grinch and I know I’ve mentioned this before but Christmas isn’t easy for all kids. For kids who are neurodivergent or who have high sensitivity to sensory stimulation it can be really challenging, even if they really want to love Christmas.

Kids who are neurodivergent benefit from predictability and routine. Without this anxiety levels can quickly increase. There is very little predictability in school at this time of year. There is also increased noise (excited kids, singing etc), increased visual stimulation (flashy lights, decorations), increased social challenges (school plays, trips out).

Your child may cope in school but seem more tired or irritable at home, or you might notice an increased reluctance to go to school or increased anxiety about school.

These negative feelings can be difficult for kids to understand with because the world is telling them they are supposed to be excited. They might struggle to express why they are struggling because they may not understand it themselves.

What Can Parents do to Help?

Work with school to make sure things are as predictable as possible. Ask for information about trips so that you are able to talk your child about what will be happening. This will help to reduce anxiety.

Help your child to understand that there is a good reason they are feeling overwhelmed and that it won’t last forever. Let them know that there are lots of other children who feel this way too, it can feel really isolating feeling like the only one.

Try not to overload activities outside of school and give them lots of opportunities to recover. Trust your instincts and if you need to say no to an activity because they are already anxious and overwhelmed then do it.

What Can Schools do to Help?

Work with parents to help keep things predictable. Surprises might seem like a great idea but for a child who is already overwhelmed they might be too much. Make sure parents know what is happening so that they are able to prepare their child if they know that this helps them.

Keep an eye on the children who you know are neurodivergent or who are prone to sensory overwhelm. Have a plan to intervene early and offer breaks. It is easier to deal with this proactively rather than reactively.