Welcome to our 2023 Child-Friendly Warwickshire Advent Calendar!
The festive period can be a time of joy, community and love, but some people might find themselves feeling stressed out, lonely or scared at this time of year due to social, financial or family pressures. We have put together a few tips on how to cope with holiday stress and ways to support someone else.
One way to manage stress during the holiday season is by setting boundaries and making time for self-care. This could be by scheduling relaxation time into the holidays, having a chat with a friend, going for a quiet walk alone in the fresh air, or spending some time on a hobby.
If you are a parent:
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Make a plan for the day or keep part of a routine throughout the holiday season. Children do best when routines are predictable — and healthy.
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Manage expectations.
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Keep children active.
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Spend some time together.
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Choose something to do as a family that helps others.
Here, you can find mindfulness and relaxation resources for young people and parents/carers : Resources for children, parents and professionals - CWMind
For more tips for coping during Christmas, check here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/christmas-and-mental-health/christmas-coping-tips/
Kooth is a free, safe and anonymous digital counselling and support service for children and young people. The 24/7 service is available to all children and young people across Coventry and Warwickshire aged 11-25 years, 365 days a year.
Finally, Rise crisis line provides a 24-hour helpline for children and young people in crisis. This can be accessed by phoning 08081 966798 (select Option 2). This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with an advice-only service outside the core hours of 8am-8pm.
We’ll see you tomorrow for day 14 of our Advent calendar! And make sure you follow us on social media - Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - and share your own Child friendly experiences using the hashtags #KindWarwickshire #ChildFriendlyWarwickshire