The festive season is often described as a time of joy, colour and celebration, but for many families it can also be a period of emotional intensity, especially for children. As school closes and routines shift, parents may notice sudden changes in their children’s behaviour. Excitement, overstimulation and fatigue often mix, creating emotional highs and lows that children are not always equipped to manage. Positive parenting offers a gentle and effective approach for guiding children through this period with understanding, connection and stability.
While adults spend much of December focusing on preparations, budgets, gatherings and travel, children respond mostly to what they feel. The normal rhythm of schooldays disappears, replaced by late nights, unfamiliar visitors and busy outings. For some children, this freedom is exhilarating; for others, it is unsettling. Even the most cheerful holiday activities can trigger strong emotions. A child who suddenly becomes irritable or tearful is not necessarily misbehaving, they may simply be overwhelmed. Recognising this difference is central to positive parenting, which encourages parents to see behaviour as communication rather than defiance. One of the greatest challenges of the season is overstimulation. Bright lights, loud music, crowded shops and family gatherings can be exhausting for young minds. Allowing children moments of calm, offering reassurance in unfamiliar settings and preparing them for what to expect can make celebrations smoother and more enjoyable. When parents respond with empathy, rather than insisting children “behave” or “keep up, they help build trust and emotional security. The festive season is also an ideal opportunity to teach gratitude, a value often overshadowed by the excitement of gifts. Encouraging children to appreciate simple moments, participate in giving, or express thanks to people around them strengthens their emotional awareness. Gratitude does not need formal lessons; it grows naturally through conversations, reflection and small acts of kindness. Children who understand gratitude are more grounded and less overwhelmed by the consumer-driven side of the holidays.
Family traditions also play a powerful role at this time of year. These traditions do not need to be elaborate or costly. In fact, children often remember the simplest rituals: rereading a favourite holiday story, baking together, walking to view decorations or sharing a moment of reflection before meals.
Such traditions provide stability in a season where routine is often lost. They also strengthen family bonds, offering children a sense of belonging and continuity.
Managing expectations is another key element of a positive parenting. Many parents feel pressure to deliver a perfect holiday, beautifully decorated homes, endless activities and generous gifts. Children, too, may have high expectations shaped by peers, advertising and social media. Open conversations about what the family can realistically do, and gentle reminders that the season is about togetherness rather than perfection, can ease this pressure for everyone. When plans change or things do not go as expected, parents who model flexibility and calm show children how to handle disappointment with resilience.
Although school holidays bring a welcome break, children still benefit from a basic sense of rhythm. Maintaining regular eal times, consistent sleep schedules, and a balance between active outings and restful days helps keep emotions steady. A predictable flow to the day reassures children and makes it easier for them to transition back into school mode once the festivities end.
Ultimately, the heart of positive parenting during the festive season lies not in doing more but in being more present.
Children may forget the presents they received or the events they attended, but they remember how the season felt, the warmth of connection, the comfort of being understood and the simple joy of shared time. When parents approach the holidays with empathy and intentionality, the festive season becomes not only a celebration but an opportunity to nurture emotional well-being, strengthen family relationships and create lasting memories. Monika Tuelifa Ndiimwenena Israel is a Teacher-Counsellor, pursuing a Master’s Degree in Inclusive Education at Unam. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and a Bachelor’s Honours Degree in HIV/AIDS Management.