Making the Holidays Less Stressful for You and Your Kids

The holidays can feel like a marathon for parents — full of expectations, logistics, and emotions. In this episode, Dr. Dave Anderson talks with clinical psychologist (and new parent) Dr. Kimberly Alexander about what she calls “running the gauntlet” of the holiday season. They unpack how to manage your own expectations, keep kids regulated, and handle tricky family moments — without losing your sense of humor or sanity. You’ll learn: Why “ know thy child ” might be the best holiday mantra How to balance structure and flexibility when school’s out What to do when your child’s behavior doesn’t match your “perfect family” vision How to set boundaries with relatives who take it personally Tips for teaching gratitude and handling gift-giving meltdowns Dr. Alexander also shares what she calls “the Kim package” — her practical approach to balancing family needs, setting limits with grace, and remembering that every year looks different. Chapters (adjust as needed): 00:00 – Welcome to Thriving Kids 01:00 – Why the holidays can feel so intense for parents 05:00 – The “perfect family” myth and social media pressure 07:00 – “Know thy child”: tailoring expectations 10:00 – Setting structure and boundaries that work 13:00 – Handling relatives who push back 17:00 – Teen dynamics and validation 20:00 – Teaching gratitude (and managing disappointment) 29:00 – Giving yourself grace Related resources: childmind.org/article/helping-kids-cope-with-holiday-stress/ childmind.org/article/managing-family-stress-during-the-holidays/ childmind.org/article/helping-kids-cope-with-changes-in-routine/