Making the Holidays Less Stressful for You and Your Kids

The holidays can feel like a marathon for parents — full of expectations, logistics, and emotions. In this episode, Dr. Dave Anderson talks with clinical psychologist (and new parent) Dr. Kimberly Alexander about what she calls “running the gauntlet” of the holiday season.

They unpack how to manage your own expectations, keep kids regulated, and handle tricky family moments — without losing your sense of humor or sanity.

You’ll learn:

• Why “know thy child” might be the best holiday mantra
• How to balance structure and flexibility when school’s out
• What to do when your child’s behavior doesn’t match your “perfect family” vision
• How to set boundaries with relatives who take it personally
• Tips for teaching gratitude and handling gift-giving meltdowns

Dr. Alexander also shares what she calls “the Kim package” — her practical approach to balancing family needs, setting limits with grace, and remembering that every year looks different.

Chapters (adjust as needed):

00:00 – Welcome to Thriving Kids

01:00 – Why the holidays can feel so intense for parents

05:00 – The “perfect family” myth and social media pressure

07:00 – “Know thy child”: tailoring expectations

10:00 – Setting structure and boundaries that work

13:00 – Handling relatives who push back

17:00 – Teen dynamics and validation

20:00 – Teaching gratitude (and managing disappointment)

29:00 – Giving yourself grace

Related resources:

• childmind.org/article/helping-kids-cope-with-holiday-stress/
• childmind.org/article/managing-family-stress-during-the-holidays/
• childmind.org/article/helping-kids-cope-with-changes-in-routine/

Creators and Guests

Host

Dave Anderson

Dave Anderson, PhD, is the Vice-President of Public Engagement and Education and a senior psychologist in the ADHD and Behavior Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute. Dr. Anderson focuses on the expansion of our awareness-building and prevention programs while also leading initiatives that build the Child Mind Institute brand, foster strategic partnerships, and forge new relationships with policy makers and youth mental health leaders.

AD

Producer

Andrew Dearling

Andrew Dearling is the Digital Director at the Child Mind Institute, where he leads strategy and execution across web, email, social media, and digital campaigns. He focuses on using digital tools to connect more families with mental health resources, expand the organization’s reach, and drive measurable impact. Andrew combines deep expertise in content, platforms, and performance marketing with a clear understanding of how to reach people where they are, and move them to take action.

Producer

Chad Garber

Chad Garber, a seasoned Creative Producer with over 15 years of experience, shapes branded video, digital, and experiential content for Fortune 100 companies, agencies, and in-house teams to Child Mind Institute. Known for building high-performing creative operations, he led pro-bono productions to multimillion-dollar campaigns for brands like Verizon, Microsoft, New Balance, Budweiser, and FedEx. His sharp storytelling, deep production expertise, and collaborative leadership move ideas from concept to screen with impact.

What is Thriving Kids: A Parenting Podcast From the Child Mind Institute?

Thriving Kids is a podcast for parents and caregivers who want clear, honest answers about child and adolescent mental health. Hosted by Dr. Dave Anderson, clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, each episode tackles a common parenting challenge — from anxiety to tantrums to school struggles — with practical strategies backed by science.

You’ll hear real talk, expert advice, and compassionate guidance from clinicians who work with kids every day.

New episodes every week, with companion newsletters for easy reference.