Helping Kids Find Their Voice During the Busy Holiday Season

WRITTEN BY ALLEGRA BERESZNIEWICZ

The holiday season is a time filled with joy, lights, gatherings and family traditions. It can also be a time when children feel overloaded by all the noise, excitement and changes to their usual routines. For parents, it can feel like a balancing act, trying to give kids the magic of the holidays while also helping them manage the stress that sometimes comes with it. With a little preparation and awareness, families can create an environment where children feel supported and connected, even in the busiest moments.

One of the most helpful things parents can do is to notice the signs that their child is reaching a limit. Children do not always have the words to say they are overwhelmed, but they communicate it through their actions. They might cover their ears, become quiet, cling to a parent or act out. Recognizing these cues early allows parents to step in and provide support before things escalate.

Preparing children in advance also goes a long way. Talking about what they can expect before heading into a busy event helps reduce the stress of the unknown. For example, letting a child know that there will be cousins, music and a lot of food at grandma’s house, and reassuring them that they can take a break if it gets too loud, gives them both clarity and comfort. Children feel more confident when they know what is coming.

It can also be helpful to create a small space for calm breaks, whether at home or in a relative’s house. A quiet corner with books, a favorite toy or something soothing gives children a place to regroup. Even a few minutes of quiet time can help them recharge and rejoin with more confidence.

Maintaining routines provides another layer of security. While the holidays often alter routines, holding onto familiar anchors such as bedtime rituals, snack times or family traditions helps children feel grounded. When kids know what to count on, it is easier for them to regulate their emotions and stay engaged.

Parents can also encourage communication by modeling it during social situations. Showing children how to enter a conversation, take turns speaking and share their feelings gives them tools they can practice. If a child is shy, a gentle prompt like, “Would you like to show your aunt your drawing?” or, “Can you tell grandpa what we baked together?” can make participation feel less overwhelming. These small moments build confidence and create positive experiences around communication.

Above all, it is important to remember that connection matters more than perfection. The most meaningful memories do not come from perfectly decorated trees or flawless gatherings, but from the small moments of togetherness: reading a story by the fire, baking cookies as a family or laughing through a board game. These are the experiences that not only bring joy but also naturally build language and strengthen bonds.

The holidays can be both joyful and demanding, and for children, that mix can sometimes feel like too much. With a thoughtful approach, parents can help kids navigate the season in a way that feels supportive and positive. At Gro Speech, we believe every child deserves the chance to feel heard and understood. Our speech and occupational therapy services are here to support families in Bozeman and across Montana, helping children find their voices during the holidays and throughout the year.

Visit www.grospeech.com or call us at (406-556-9853) to learn more.

Allegra Bereszniewicz, M.S., CCC-SLP, is the owner of Gro Speech offering pediatric speech, language, feeding/swallowing, myofunctional, occupational and lactation consulting therapy services from birth to adolescence. They have been serving Gallatin County and beyond for more than 20 years with in person clinic sessions and remote, telehealth therapy options when appropriate for families. For more parenting strategies and ideas in relation to speech and sensory development listen to Gab and Gro: Conversations in Pediatric Therapy anywhere you listen to podcasts.