Summary for HealthiNation’s Financial Stress at Holiday Time

Hosted by Anne Pleshette Murphy

The holidays are a special time – a time for family, reflection, and resolutions. But the holidays can also create a financial burden, especially when it comes to satisfying a child’s wish list during a tough economic time.

If like a lot of parents, you’re cutting back on gifts this year, you may feel guilty. But give yourself a break. After all, presents are only one part of the holidays. Holidays are particularly special because of the family rituals they involve – decorating a tree, making place cards for a Seder, baking cookies or visiting relatives. And you may be surprised to learn that these rituals often mean a lot more to kids than big gifts. Here are some hints to help make upcoming holidays a less stressful time:

• If you have a large family, develop a spending plan in advance. For example, this might be a good year to start a secret Santa tradition in which each person surprises one other person with a small present.
• When buying presents for kids, consider their age. Kids over the age of eight can often understand if you say, “This year we’re not giving a lot of presents.” For these older kids, try to focus on one important gift. But for younger kids, quantity is more important. Ten one-dollar presents are better than one big-ticket item.
• Try to spend time relaxing and having fun with your family. And be sure not to overfill your calendar with holiday events – this will just add to stress.
• Finally, remember to take pictures. A photo will preserve what you have worked so hard to create – memories.

Author: Mr. Brendan Anderer
Host Reviewer: Ms. Anne Pleshette Murphy
Last Review Date: June 4, 2010
Reviewed by: Alexandra Adler
Reviewed by: Dr. Holly Atkinson

Sources:

1. Reducing holiday financial stress. Columbia, MO. University of Missouri Extension, 2009. (Accessed on June 4, 2010 at http://missourifamilies.org/features/financearticles/holidays.htm).
2. Financial Issues Could Add to Holiday Stress, depression this year. Lexington, KY. Extension, 2008. (Accessed on June 4, 2010 at http://www.extension.org/pages/Financial_Issues_Could_Add_to_Holiday_Stress,_depression_this_year).
3. Stress, depression and the holidays: 10 tips for coping. Rochester, MN. The Mayo Clinic, 2009. (Accessed on June 4, 2010 at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/MH00030/NSECTIONGROUP=2).

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Picky Eating and Kids
Hosted by Anne Pleshette Murphy

Meals are a big part of the holidays. And when it comes to managing a child who is a picky eater, the holidays or even a special occasion can pose a particular challenge.

One of the first steps you can take is to have a conversation with your kids before sitting down for a meal to explain your expectations. Tell them you expected them to eat the food that is served, but that they are not required to finish everything on their plate. You should also emphasize the importance of manners. For example, it is OK for them to turn down foods they do not like, but they should not simply say, “yuck.” You can even create a codeword so that you can remind your kids about manners at the table without embarrassment. At home, you can use role play to help your kids practice manners.

If your child is hesitant about trying new foods, don’t compare him or her to a cousin or friend. Creating a sense of shame can be damaging and almost always backfires. A better strategy is creating a kids’ table at a dinner. This may give your child positive role models who are his or her own age.

Another way to help a picky eater is to involve him or her in the cooking process. If your child helps make a dish that is new, he or she will be more likely to eat it. And remember that although you can encourage them to try new foods, you should also be an advocate. It is better to tell your hosts, “My kids have very focused tastes,” instead of saying “Johnny is not a big veggie lover.”

Finally, avoid power struggles over a particular food. If your child responds rudely, saying, “Yuck! I don’t like this kind of turkey,” focus on the rudeness instead of the food in question. If the problem persists, ask your child to leave the table.

Author: Ms. Courtney Kline
Host Reviewer: Ms. Anne Pleshette Murphy
Last Review Date: June 4, 2010
Reviewed by: Alexandra Adler
Reviewed by: Dr. Holly Atkinson and Dr. Preeti Parikh

Sources:

1. My pyramid for pre-schoolers. Washington, DC: United States Department of Agriculture, 2010. (Accessed online 6/3/2010 at http://www.mypyramid.gov/preschoolers/index.html).
2. Picky Eaters. San Francisco, CA: UCSF Medical Center Children's Hospital, 2010. (Accessed online 6/3/2010 at http://www.ucsfchildrenshospital.org/education/picky_eaters/index.html).

HealthiNation offers health information for educational purposes only; this information is not meant as medical advice. Always consult your doctor about your specific health condition.