The October to January Cycle

It is that time of year again...when parents come in and talk about their child's attitude and behavior changes.  They are obviously rattled by the change in their previously sweet and compliant child.  There are many things that effect children at this time of the year...so many in fact that it is easy to forget that some of those things are normal and some can be controlled and guided by consistent parenting.
The list goes on...

• Their age - if they are between 2 and 4 years old or in 4th or 5th grade many changes can be attributed to their age.  Two to Four year old children are reaching for independence even if they are not completely ready to handle it yet.  Tantrums and Crying Fits are more rampant as they try to get their way.  This one is very normal requires a parent to not show a reaction and remain consistent in their expectations.  They will outgrow it, but the end result will be effected by the way you as a parent handle those tantrums and fits.
• The weather - as we move into the fall and the cooler weather we also usually experience some rainy weather.  When that happens it means that the children do not get outside to play as much and they begin to experience cabin fever.  You can help here if you make a plan to get your children outside to play as often as possible and find some new and exciting "fall" activities to fill their time.
• The time change - We "fall back" and when we do our sleep routine is disturbed...it especially effects young children.  Our bodies need time to adjust to the new time.
• The holidays - yes...Halloween is only the beginning of the holiday season, followed by Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.  I call it the October to January cycle.  All the extra candy and special treats, traveling for vacation or spending time with family, unusual schedules and routines as well as Christmas and its overabundance affect a child's routine.  Believe it or not most children (and adults) are creatures of habit and when their routine is changed they don't handle it well.

As parents we want our children to be successful and when we see them struggling and we see their attitude or behavior effected we are distressed and alarmed.  Parents need to realize that it is a season...a season of their children's lives that will pass.  They can help most by not providing too many sweets or treats, keeping routines and sleep schedules as well as diets as normal as possible, not overreacting when things get out of control and remember that they are just children...they don't yet have the same coping mechanisms that adults do in the same circumstances.  Even some adults don't handle all these changes well.

Try to prepare your child for the changes and let them know what to expect.  Give them a little extra love and attention especially when they are doing what you want them to do.  Pray for them and for yourself daily.  This season will pass quickly and you want to remember it in a positive way and you want that for your child too!

It is not easy being a parent...and unfortunately we are not given a guidebook to help us through the rough times.  Find someone to talk to or to use as a sounding board...a parent, teacher, friend.  Seek out people who will listen, but also those who can offer support and suggestions to help.

Last, but should probably be first...ask God to bless your family with peace and understanding, patience and love.  Help your children turn to Him too when they hit the rough spots.  He has promised to always be there for you!