Many of you are probably feeling like the following right now.
I know I do. Holiday stress is real and can take a toll on all of us. Holiday stress compounded by COVID stress can make everything seem overwhelming. One of the consultants who work with the school’s mental health professionals recently told me that the advice he often offers to his clients when they feel overwhelmed is “decrease the expectations and increase the structure”. A recent poll conducted by C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital of the University of Michigan found the following:
"One in five parents (20%) believe their child has unrealistic expectations for the holiday season, while 1 in 4 parents (28%) feel they have unrealistic expectations of themselves. Overall, 20% of the parents acknowledge their own stress negatively affects their children’s enjoyment of the holidays."
During this time when there are so much going on and things are changing so fast, I think it is important for all of us to remember we don’t have to do everything or fix everything to do right by our children and families. It is important for all of us to adjust our expectations so we are focusing on one or two of the most essential things and forgiving ourselves if we don’t get to the others that are not quite as important.
I would also like to remind everyone not to forget about structure during vacation week. Although a break from school means we don’t have to rush in the mornings and pressure ourselves to get homework done, it is a good idea to still have schedules in place so students are getting enough sleep and good nutrition. I understand household rules like those related to screen time may be relaxed during vacation, but I encourage everyone to maintain structures so your children’s access to digital devices are kept to a reasonable amount and their activities on social media are monitored.
I wish everyone a wonderful break that is focused on rest and rejuvenation. The year 2022 will inevitably be filled with many wonderful events as well as big challenges. I am hoping to see everyone prepared and ready to go after the break, so we can enjoy those wonderful things to the fullest and meet all obstacles that may come our way.
Happy holidays!
I would also like to remind everyone not to forget about structure during vacation week. Although a break from school means we don’t have to rush in the mornings and pressure ourselves to get homework done, it is a good idea to still have schedules in place so students are getting enough sleep and good nutrition. I understand household rules like those related to screen time may be relaxed during vacation, but I encourage everyone to maintain structures so your children’s access to digital devices are kept to a reasonable amount and their activities on social media are monitored.
I wish everyone a wonderful break that is focused on rest and rejuvenation. The year 2022 will inevitably be filled with many wonderful events as well as big challenges. I am hoping to see everyone prepared and ready to go after the break, so we can enjoy those wonderful things to the fullest and meet all obstacles that may come our way.
Happy holidays!
James Lin
Principal
McCall Middle School
