Stressing Less For Christmas
Child, Youth and Family’s Chief Executive Paula Tyler is urging families to stress less as Christmas and the holiday
period approaches.
“Christmas is a time to put aside issues and enjoy spending time with family and loved ones — something we all know, but
sometimes forget in the stress of the season. By keeping things in perspective, Christmas can be a lot easier to
manage,” says Ms Tyler.
“Being a parent may be one of the most important and rewarding jobs there is, but it’s also one of the toughest. Add in
the festive season and it gets even tougher: trying to make money last the distance, meeting the family’s demands, or
simply dealing with the exhaustion of a long year,” Ms Tyler says. “Sometimes the biggest challenge is just trying to
stress less.”
“I have four children – now grown up – and my many Christmases past have taught me a few lessons on how to make this
time of year a little less stressful. You may find them helpful, too.”
Paula Tyler suggests the following stress less tips:
Plan a realistic budget Ensure custody and access arrangements are sorted out early Have a plan for the care of children
leading up to and after Christmas Keep yourself and children safe from violence, and Delegate jobs during the Christmas
season.
Ms Tyler says Child, Youth and Family is also under pressure at this time of year, as the pressures of the season leads
some families to the breaking point.
“Social workers work around the clock during the Christmas season to assist the children, young people and their
families who come to the Department’s attention.
“If you feel like you or someone you know is reaching breaking point this Christmas, please talk to someone who can help
— a friend, family member, or a community or social worker, depending on how serious you think the risk is. You can call
Child, Youth and Family on 0508 FAMILY toll-free anytime to talk through your concerns.”