Some lacking support with Christmas stress

Christmas can be stressful for ''frazzled'' families, especially for those without support networks.

Child, Youth and Family Southern regional director Chris Harvey said Christmas could heighten the feelings about how connected - or not - people were to their families.

The feelings combined with worries about paying for presents, school holidays and the reduction of normal services, and routines, could create pressure points.

''Frazzled nerves and stretched resources can expose vulnerabilities.''

Children could be especially vulnerable during the holiday season if some of these bigger stress factors come into play.

''The more people are looking out for children, the safer they'll be. Everyone has a role to play in keeping our mokopuna safe.

''And the best people to give extra care support and help to families who are struggling are the people who are around them every day.''

If somebody was worried about a mother, father, child or family, they should ask themselves what they could do to help.

''Sometimes, it can be hard to offer help, and you don't want to look like you're interfering but it's OK to offer - the people involved may be too ashamed, distressed or caught up in the situation to ask for help, so don't wait to be asked [to assist people who may need it].''

 


What to do

How to help support stressed families this Christmas. -

Offer a helping hand: Small gestures such as offering lifts and dropping off meals.

Share the load: Offer to have the children over to play, to give parents some time out, or invite the family over for a shared dinner.

Listen: Sometimes people just need someone to understand what they're going through.

Be encouraging: Let the parents know you are there to help.

Help from others: Link them up with others who can offer the support they need.

Don't be afraid of getting it wrong: Trust your instincts and remember, we all have a role to play in keeping children safe.

Where to look: There are more ideas on how to help in the ''keeping kids safe'' section at www.cyf.govt.nz or by calling 0508 FAMILY.


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