Holiday Boundaries: Simple Scripts for a Calmer Season

BY KRISTA HALLER

MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

The holiday season can bring joy, fun… and a lot of feelings! This time of year, families are often stretched thin. Setting simple boundaries can help everyone feel safe, calm, and still very connected. Here are a few short scripts you can try (try practicing before you need them!)

When you need a break, you can say: “I need a few moment to take a breathe. I’ll be back soon.”

When you get invited to yet another thing: “That sounds fun, but we’re keeping things simple this year.”

When noise and energy from the kids is too much: “My ears need a rest. Let’s take a soft break.” (Sit on the floor, slow everything down—your co-regulation does the heavy lifting.)

When emotions run high (your/theirs or both!): “Let’s pause. We can finish this when we are both calmer."

Small sentences like these help as reminders that your needs matter, and role model to your child that when things feel overwhelming, they can speak up for themselves as well!

For enrolled families: want a quick check-in on your family’s mental and emotional wellness?

We offer a brief Mental Health Screener. It takes just a few minutes and helps us better understand how to support you.  Our Mental Health Specialist reviews your results and will follow up through your Home Visitor.

Wishing you care, calm, and gentle boundaries this season!

A huge thank you

to Dog n’it Hotel & Daycare and the Wedge family, who each donated 5 full Thanksgiving meals to MSEHS families.

Thank you for your generous donation!

Policy Council Updates

From our meeting on December 4th

• MSEHS is preparing for its upcoming Focus Area 2 federal review this week. The reviewers will also be meeting with enrolled parents to see how the program works for them.
• Irene, our Perinatal & Nutrition Specialist, shared about our new nutrition assessment and service guide and a MSEHS focus group she hosted in October. 

• The government shut down has ended and SNAP has been reinstated. During that time MSEHS was able to bolster the snacks we give families at playgroups and was able to help facilitate 10 Thanksgiving meals that were generously donated by Dog n'it Hotel and Daycare and the Wedge Family. 

We're enrolling families now

We are currently enrolling families! If you or someone you know is expecting a child or has a child up to 36 months, reach out to learn more about our free home-based program in Bonner, Shoshone and Kootenai counties. 

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