9 June 2025
Ah, family gatherings. The casseroles, the questionable stories from Uncle Joe, the endless hugs from aunties-you-don't-remember, and, of course, the overwhelming noise that could rival a rock concert. For some kids? It's pure chaos wrapped in a bow of anxiety. If your little one tends to shy away, shut down, or straight-up melt under the pressure of big family events, you’re not alone—and you're definitely not powerless.
Let’s dig into some quirky, clever, and totally doable ways to help reduce anxiety in children before these grand social extravaganzas. Bring the calm before the holiday (or birthday, BBQ, reunion…) storm!
Imagine being the smallest person in a crowd of loud adults, most of whom you don’t know well. Then throw in itchy clothes, new foods, being told to “perform” for relatives (“Do your dance, sweetie!”), and the pressure to be on your best behavior. Yikes, right?
Anxiety before big events often stems from:
- Fear of the unknown: Who will be there? What will happen? Will there be Wi-Fi?!
- Sensory overload: Too many people, too much noise, weird smells.
- Social pressure: Having to talk to adults they rarely see, or being compared to cousins.
- Emotional overstimulation: Too many expectations, not enough downtime.
Understanding this makes it easier to prep your child—and yourself—for a smoother, calmer experience.
Try something like:
“Hey, next weekend we’re going to Grandma’s for a big family dinner. There’ll be food, games, and cousin chaos.”
- Fidget toys
- Favorite book
- Headphones (because nothing says peace like Taylor Swift or Minecraft cave music on repeat)
- A comfort item (think: tiny stuffed animal hidden in a pocket)
- Snacks, because hanger is a real thing
Simple scripts like:
- “Hi, I’m Alex. I’m in 3rd grade and I like dinosaurs.”
- “School’s good. I really like art class.”
Sounds robotic? Maybe. But having go-to lines can reduce the stress of social expectations.
1. Arrival and greetings
2. Snacks and mingling
3. Maybe a game or two
4. Dinner time
5. Goodbyes and heading home
Even if things change, having a rough idea helps the brain relax.
Baby steps are magical. Celebrate them.
Being a parent doesn't mean your child has to be the "perfect" child in every social setting. Let's normalize being real over being performative, yeah?
- “We’re going to a cousin castle!”
- “There’s a dragon shaped like a giant ham waiting for us!”
- “Your mission, should you choose to accept it: high-five three uncles.”
Bonus: Create a “Family Bingo” card with squares like “Someone mentions politics,” “Grandma offers a third helping,” or “Cousin spills something.”
It makes it playful and turns potential stress into a giggle.
Practice a couple times a week before the event so they feel like pros.
- Talk it out: “What part did you like? What was hard? What would you change next time?”
- Validate their feelings: Saying, “Yeah, big events can be a lot,” shows them their emotions are okay.
- Set a reward if needed: Maybe a movie night, extra bedtime story, or just a high-five for making it through.
And if all else fails? There’s always next year (and maybe fewer flaming meatballs).
all images in this post were generated using AI tools
Category:
Dealing With AnxietyAuthor:
Austin Wilcox
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2 comments
Rachel Clayton
Great tips! Helping kids manage anxiety before family events is essential. Simple strategies like preparation and reassurance can make a huge difference in their comfort and enjoyment.
June 15, 2025 at 2:26 AM
Aiden Jordan
Creating a calm environment can make all the difference for anxious kids!
June 13, 2025 at 3:45 AM