December 2024: Holiday Survival Tips for Parents
Hi, Practice families!👋
I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling immersed in holiday season mental load and chaos this week. Honestly, I’m just trying to survive and make it through the finish line when I can unplug from work and… finish all the holiday prep and entertain my two kids while they’re on school break? 🤪
Here’s what I am trying to remember right now– I’m saying these things here so that you can hear them (if you need them!) too.
The most important thing is how we show up. My kids have already forgotten that we took them on multiple amazing holiday adventures last week, but they sure haven’t forgotten the way that I yelled at everyone when we were running late. 😬
It’s OK to say no and do less and give less and prioritize meeting our own needs. See number 1, above. Saying no, doing less, giving less, meeting our own needs– that’s HOW we help ourselves show up in the way that we want to show up– as calm, loving, happy, and effective parents… rather than as stressed out screaming banshees. 🙈Plus, kids actually LIKE and FUNCTION WELL in the context of sameness and routine. Pick your battles. Keep it simple.
I think that we all know that the magic of the holiday season isn’t contingent on any specific event or particular gift. Instead, making holiday magic really means getting intentional, ignoring the ever-present pull to do more, more, more… and instead purposefully and strategically choosing the most important places to allocate our time, effort, and resources in a way that most effectively creates the true holiday experience that we want for ourselves and for our kids (and then letting go of everything else!!).
As you and your families look toward the holidays, I want to give you permission to do what you know works, for yourself, for your kid(s), and for your family. I want to give you permission to opt out, skip the things, and/or take the breaks that will make it more likely you can be present and joyful at the times that count the most.
This holiday season and always, I love knowing that I’m just one parent in a larger community of parents all out there trying to show up in a way that’s skillful and do right by their kids. I see you, and am grateful to have all of your company on this journey.
Wishing you all a warm, wonderful, and perfectly imperfect holiday season.
Warmly,
Nina Kaiser, Ph.D.
Founder, Practice San Francisco
P.S.-- past tips for a smooth holiday break with kids here! And if you’re looking for more community in parenting, please consider joining me for a monthly Mighty Moms session in the new year (more below– no need to have previously participated in the Mighty Moms program!)– or sign up for my brand new Substack newsletter, Other Mothers, also launching in the new year.
Mighty Moms Monthly Meetup
Educational Group*
Online via Google Meet
Monthly Sessions on Thursdays
Jan 16, Feb 13, Mar 13, Apr 17, and May 15, 2025
12:00 - 1:00 PM PST
*This group is open to any mom, whether or not you previously participated in Mighty Moms.
Join a supportive community of moms designed to help you reflect, set goals, and navigate the year in alignment with your values—no matter what comes your way. Led by Dr. Kaiser, this unstructured, come-as-you-are group offers monthly conversations on what matters most to you, with follow-up summaries and optional resources to explore on your own time.
Other Mothers:
Real Talk, Real Tips for Moms
Coming in the new year from Dr. Nina Kaiser and Practice San Francisco-- Other Mothers, a Substack newsletter for anyone who's ever wondered how other mothers make it all work. Interviews with all kinds of moms doing all kinds of interesting things-- including their pro tips, best life hacks, AND where they may be choosing to drop the ball.
Feeling Overwhelmed This Holiday Season?☃️ We’re Here to Help!
It’s December, and for parents, that often means juggling all the things. Between managing kids’ routines, holiday prep, and trying to create joyful memories, it's easy to feel like there’s no space for our own needs-- or to forget that the holidays can be overwhelming for our kids, too.😐
The truth is, the holiday season can stir up big emotions for everyone. Kids may struggle with excitement, stress, or changes in routine. Teens might feel overwhelmed by school, social pressures, or family expectations. And as parents, we’re carrying it all—sometimes at the expense of our own well-being.💖
At Practice San Francisco, we offer therapy and coaching that can help families navigate these kinds of challenges, during the holidays or at any other time of year. Whether your child is navigating big emotions, your teen could use some extra support, or you’re looking for a safe space to reflect and recharge, we’re here for you -- with in-person and telehealth options to fit your schedule.✨
Visit our website or schedule an intake call today to learn more.🤙
