What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood | Parenting Tips From Funny Moms Why Kids Melt Down During the Holidays—And How to Handle It
Dec 17, 2025
The holiday season can turn kids into emotional wrecks, and the hosts dive into why this happens. They uncover how disrupted routines and sensory overload contribute to meltdowns, comparing stress triggers to a 'migraine threshold.' Misbehavior can stem from emotional dysregulation or intentional escape from overwhelming situations. By reevaluating holiday traditions and maintaining small routines, parents can mitigate stress. The discussion offers insights and tips to help families navigate the chaos, ensuring everyone's spirits stay bright during the season.
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Routines Are A Protective Emotional Shield
- Disrupted daily routines remove a major protective factor for children's emotion regulation.
- Consistent small routines link to lower stress, better behavior, and less inflammation in kids.
Surprise Cheese In Chicken Nuggets
- Margaret told a story about dinosaur chicken nuggets that unexpectedly contained cheese and caused a meltdown.
- The surprise food highlight shows how small deviations from routine can trigger big reactions.
Neurodivergent Kids Face Extra Holiday Pressure
- Kids with autism or ADHD often carry extra pressure to 'not ruin' holidays, increasing anxiety.
- Pre-conversation about difficulties reduces shame and unrealistic expectations.