By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Holidays are traditionally times of high stress for families. Parents are concerned about finances, selecting the perfect gift, extended families, travel, menus, diets and busy schedules. People can experience it anytime, but stress seems most apparent during the holidays. Even if children aren’t consciously aware of parental concerns, they are little sponges for the moods and emotions around them, so they may mirror stress, as well as experiencing their own. It is, therefore, important to try to reduce the stress levels of all family members this holiday season. There is no better way to do that than to embrace the true spirit of Thanksgiving. [Read more…]