How to Deal With Stressed and Tired Children in January - My CHild's Not Broken

January is a difficult month for most people, as they recover from Christmas, in terms of energy, finances and cleaning. Here are some of our tips on how to deal with tired and stressed children during this time period: 

• Make sure to look after yourself 

  • You will be able to do a lot more for your child, if you are feeling OK, and have taken time to look after yourself 

  • It is important that you keep yourself mentally healthy, as January is a difficult month for most people, and you will also be dealing with tired and stressed children on top of that 

• Try to schedule in some time for you and your child to relax 

  • With January comes having to go back to work, go back to school, tidy up the house from the festivities, and so much more. 

  • Make sure that you, and your child, find some downtime to relax amidst all the responsibilities that you both have 

  • Scheduling in this downtime will help relax you and your child, and help you deal with your child’s stress. 

• Don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family for emotional support

  • It’s OK to not be able to do everything by yourself. January is a stressful time for most people, and in stressful times it’s OK to want support from friends and family 

  • Whether it’s having family help out by just talking to you or your child, or helping you look after your child for a bit, it’s important to have that support in difficult times 

  • Friends and family are supposed to be there for you, it’s OK to ask them to help support you and your child 

• Ensure that there is clear communication between you and your child

  • Make sure that you are listening to any communications coming from your child. Whether they’re expressing difficulty, stress, tiredness or anything else.

  • It’s important to be responsive to your child, and take all of their feelings into consideration 

• Whilst both of you are stressed, it is important to make sure you are still meeting the emotional needs of your child and supporting them 

  • Keep as much of a routine going as possible 

  • Keeping a routine going will stop your child from getting overwhelmed, as they will know what they’re expecting out of each day 

  • It also helps you keep on track with your day, and know what you’re planning on doing each day 

  • Keeping a routine going as much as you can will help minimise stress, and can be beneficial for both you and your child 

• Remember that it’s OK to get frustrated and feel down 

  • Remember that January is a difficult time, and feeling frustrated or upset is completely OK and understandable 

  • Your feelings are valid 

• Keep an open line of communication going with your child’s school

  • By communicating with your child’s school, you are up to date with what’s going on in school, which can help you better understand how your child is feeling

  • This communication can also help the school understand any situations happening at home 

  • Overall, keeping that line of communication open helps both you and your child’s school better support and understand your child, especially during January where times are more difficult. 

We hope that these tips were helpful for you! Don’t forget to relax and remember that you’re only human! Hopefully these tips will help you and your child get through the tough month that is January.