Holiday Closures and Self Care This Festive Season

By Kerrie Gottliebsen

Tweddle will be closing for business at midday on Wednesday the 23rd of December and reopening on Monday 18^th of January. Tweddle’s MyTime groups align with school terms so will commence in the first week of February.

For many parents, this is your first year with a baby, a special time to build memories with family and friends. While many of us are preparing for holidays and family gatherings, it’s important to remember that challenges with parenting, mental health and family violence don’t go away over the festive period. In fact, stress and frustration can magnify existing problems.

For some this is a period of loneliness and isolation, especially after separation. There are various support lines which can support parents and carers through these difficult times.

Financial and time pressures, isolation, family tensions, separation and divorce, bereavement, step-family challenges, or just reflecting on another year gone by can make for a time of anxiety.

Babies, toddlers and young children can feel your stress so it’s important to look after yourself and those around you. Children will appreciate the gift of your time more than any present they will receive.

Strategies to help reduce stress include having realistic expectations, getting as much rest as possible and understanding that stress might also be effecting those around you.

If you need early parenting support over summer, please reach out to the following organisations;

• Parentline  13 22 89
• PANDA 1300 726 306
• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Mensline 1300 78 99 78
• Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
• 1800Respect (family violence/sexual assault) 1800 737 732
• 24 Hour MCH Line 13 22 29
• CAREinMIND – chat, telephone & video counselling 1300 096 269

We wish you and your family a happy, healthy and safe festive period and look forward to supporting your family in 2021.