5 Ways to Build Connections and Holiday Traditions to Help Kids Combat Loneliness and Improve Mental Health

The Kids Mental Health Foundation provides free tools for parents and caregivers to help kids navigate the holiday season.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – While the holiday season can be a joyful time for many, it can also bring challenges such as stress, overstimulation and feelings of exclusion or isolation. Whether it is helping kids manage holiday stress, honoring cultural traditions or navigating the pressures of the season, experts at The Kids Mental Health Foundation advise families to show up with empathy and intention while creating holiday traditions that foster connection, gratitude and kindness.

“We know that social and family connections are one of the most important factors for mental health and wellness,” said Ariana Hoet, PhD, executive clinical director of The Kids Mental Health Foundation and pediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Holiday family traditions can create positive memories while building a sense of family identity and belonging in a child. They can also honor those who are no longer with us by sharing stories about them and the history of why a specific tradition started.”

Dr. Hoet recommends these five ways to help children gain a more profound sense of purpose and belonging this holiday season:

1.) Involve a child in holiday preparations. Let them bake cookies, set the table and hang decorations. They will feel included, important and proud of their contributions.

2.) Explain the meaning behind traditions. Share the history of certain traditions. This is especially important for children from diverse ethnic or religious backgrounds.

3.) Talk about longtime family traditions. While engaged in time-honored family activities, share some highlights of previous celebrations to help children feel connections to the past.

4.) Let a child put their spin on a tradition. Let them choose which Christmas ornaments to hang on the tree, which Hanukkah menorah to light, or what song to sing during Kwanzaa to express their creativity.

5.) Adopt new traditions. Decide together which of your child’s favorite rituals should become official family traditions. Your child may be more inspired to practice old traditions and create new ones each year.

Dr. Hoet says most families believe the holiday season brings both elements of joy and difficulty. With illnesses circulating, costs going up, pressure to get the best toys and gifts, and full calendars, several adults can struggle with feelings of stress or disappointment. However, she says it is essential to be mindful that connecting and creating memories with your children is what they will remember during the holiday season.

For more mental health and wellness resources, visit kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org

The Kids Mental Health Foundation is the leading organization promoting mental health for children in the United States. To achieve its vision to build a world where mental health is a vital part of every child’s upbringing, nearly 1,000 mental health professionals and researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, in partnership with other trusted experts, provide real-world knowledge and expertise to power the Foundation’s free educational videos, guides and curriculum. To date, more than 24 million people have engaged with the Foundation’s materials, helping parents, educators and coaches be a guiding force for children all across the United States.