Calm Parenting Podcast 5 Quick Ways to Calm Big Emotions During Thanksgiving #539
Nov 26, 2025
Holidays can trigger explosive emotions in kids due to disrupted routines and family dynamics. To prepare, parents can create a family plan and give children roles to restore their sense of control. Managing your reactions is crucial, along with validating strong-willed kids. Engaging them in movement and providing space when needed can help process feelings. Finally, addressing post-holiday anxieties with support from family can ease the transition back to school.
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Give Kids A Job To Regain Control
- Give your child a concrete job or mission so they regain a sense of control during chaos.
- Plan these roles ahead (food prep, tinkering, games) so the child can step into them when upset.
Loss Of Control Drives Meltdowns
- Meltdowns often stem from a perceived loss of control rather than the immediate trigger.
- Restoring small choices reduces resistance and stops escalation faster than demands.
Tinker Projects To Connect With Relatives
- Kirk recommends connecting strong-willed kids with a handy relative who can mentor them.
- He suggests thrift-store tinkering projects that bond children with skilled family members.