Helping kids cope with stress.

Holidays are a wonderful time of year. As they grow nearer, though, the events of the season often change from cheerful to stressful ones for families, especially for children. Because holidays can add an extra level of stress, parents need to take a close look at how they manage stress, both their own and that faced by their offspring.

"If the holidays simply happen around them, children undoubtedly will be stressed," cautions Kimberly B. Moore, vice president of education for Children's World Learning Centers. "If children have an opportunity to participate in all the facets of making your holidays special, then holidays will be joyful times and will impart precious memories that will be remembered by children far into their adult lives."

If parents are aware of the indicators of stress in their kids and those items which might cause this additional stress, it becomes possible to avoid. many of the pitfalls and have a calm, confident feeling of experiencing a happy and, cheerful holiday season. Children's World Learning Centers offer the following suggestions:

* Be alert to changes in behavior such as aggressiveness, nightmares, hyperactivity or restlessness, prolonged temper tantrums, being overly sensitive, clinging to adults, and a constant need to sleep. As parents recognize these signs of stress, they can react more quickly to assist the child.

* During the holidays, encourage youngsters to make presents for special friends and relatives. This helps to develop a heightened sense of pride when the gift is given and lets them become confident and more at ease with the holidays.

* Help kids plan ahead by discussing routines and the sequence of events that will occur. Give them plenty of time before changing routines. Turn holiday routines into traditions. Passing on those traditions and giving children the responsibility for making them happen will create a sense of calm and purpose during these hectic months.

* Talk about a situation and acknowledge the youngster's feelings. "l know how you feel; I have felt the same way. Let me tell you what I found when this happened to me. . . ." This is the "feel, felt, found method" used by positive mental...