by Lori Lite
Holidays with family can mean an increase in chaos and stress. Having a Thanksgiving plan can reduce anxiety and elevate the joy factor allowing us to have the holiday we always dreamed of. G-R-A-T-E-F-U-L Thanksgiving Stress Tips .
G- Gratitude is the opposite of stress. It is difficult to feel stressed out when we are feeling gratitude.
R- Relax your expectations and let the day unfold. You might be surprised by the outcome.
A- Acceptance is the opposite of judgment. If we accept our family member for who they are and what they are capable of we can relax and enjoy ourselves.
T- Teens can be a part of Thanksgiving. Ask them what they would like to bring to the table. Let them bring it.
E- Empower children and let them help with age appropriate assignments. Putting the nuts out or making the centerpiece. Let them do it their way…not your way.
F- Focus on family for this day. Put all work and worries on the shelf
U- Unplug the electronics for dinner so that everyone can be fully present.
L- Love is often overlooked when we are busy. Cook with love… Speak with love… Show your love and gratitude for your family on this Thanksgiving Day.
Stress Free Kids founder Lori Lite has created a line of books and CDs designed to help children, teens, and adults decrease stress, anxiety, and anger. Ms. Lite’s books, CDs, and lesson plans are considered a resource for parents, psychologists, therapists, child life specialists, teachers, and yoga instructors. Lori is a certified children’s meditation facilitator and Sears’ Manage My Life parenting expert. For more information visit Stress Free Kids and for daily advice follow Lori on Twitter and Face Book. Stress Free Kids Fund Raising Program brings stress management and relaxation to your families while generating funds that will benefit your school, group, or organization.
Indigo Dreams Relaxation CDs can add ambiance to your celebration.
Thanksgiving Stress News
[...] and one more as long as I’m giving thanks for pragmatic parenting souls…check out Don’t Get Gobbled Up By Stress Over the Thanksgiving Holidays a fun little ditty written in acrostic style using the word GRATEFUL, laced with wise words from [...]
Great post! This is the reminder I needed “Gratitude is the opposite of stress. ” – LOVE it! Have a great Thanksgiving!
~ Ashley from The Motherboard (www.facebook.com/TheMotherboard)
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Barbara & Cindy and Lori Lite, ManageMyLife. ManageMyLife said: ManageMyLife’s kids expert Lori Lite @stressfreekids has advice on having a stress-free holiday! http://dld.bz/7TqA #kids #stress [...]
What great advice Lori. Hope you have a fantastic thankgiving and that everyone joins in.
Hi Lori,
Such lovely thoughts for the holiday and great advice. I love the way you point out the very most important things that are so easily overlooked in the hustle of getting everything ready. I especially like your focus on empowering kids and teens and giving them a real role and opportunity to contribute.
Have a very wonderful Thanksgiving!
So glad you liked the article! Kids and teens get so much from contributing…..self-esteem, accountability, bonding, confidence, joy……….
Thank you for this post, I really needed it, as I will have a full house this Thanksgiving! I especially like the last part, cooking and speaking with love and showing gratitude…Have a blessed Thanksgiving!