Name: Formative Years
Price range: $$

Why Your Child Calms Down After the Holidays

Throughout my 19-year career as a registered early childhood educator, I witnessed a quiet, yet remarkable pattern unfold year after year. When the childcare centre where I worked closed for ten days to two weeks during the holidays, something meaningful happened—not just in families’ schedules, but in children themselves.

When the children returned, they were noticeably calmer. They listened more readily, moved through their days with greater ease, and carried a sense of peace that lingered well beyond the first week back. This change was consistent, and it always invited reflection.

Many of the families I worked with were fortunate enough to take time off during these breaks. This meant something deeply important: more one-on-one time between parents and children. When the children shared stories about their holidays, they were not filled with extravagance or grand events. Instead, their memories were simple, tender, and rooted in connection.

“I read with Mommy.”
“I helped Daddy bake cookies.”
“Grandma read me my favourite books.”
“I went skating with my family.”
“I helped Mommy set the table for dinner.”

These stories carried a common thread. It was not the activity itself that mattered—it was the presence of a parent or loved one. The children were not seeking excitement; they were basking in attention.

As an educator, this was a powerful insight. Regardless of what the children did, the highlight of their experiences was feeling seen, heard, and valued by the adults in their lives. Their joy came from undivided attention.

One question I am often asked by parents is, “Why does my child need so much of my attention?”The answer lies in understanding that children require a daily dose of focused, one-on-one connection. This does not include moments when attention is divided—such as driving home from school or multitasking through routines. Even as little as ten intentional minutes of full presence can be enough to meet this need.

Think of attention as a container that children carry each day. When it is filled with genuine connection, they feel secure and satisfied. When it is empty, they seek it in other ways—often through behaviour that challenges us. Consistency is the key. A small, daily practice of undivided attention has a lasting impact.

The holidays naturally offered families the gift of time and consistency. With their attention containers filled by parents and extended family members, children returned feeling grounded and fulfilled. It was a gentle reminder that what children need most cannot be purchased or scheduled—it is simply our presence.

Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can give our children is not more, but us.

At Formative Years, we invite you to pause and reflect on the meaningful moments you share with your family—those quiet, ordinary moments that often leave the deepest imprint on your child’s heart. Whether it’s reading together, preparing a meal, walking side by side, or simply sitting and listening, these moments of connection matter more than we sometimes realize.

As we step into a new year, we encourage you to carry this intention forward: to create space for presence, consistency, and undivided attention in your daily lives. These are the moments that nurture calm, confidence, and a sense of belonging in children.

From all of us at Formative Years, we wish you and your families a joyful, connected, and fulfilling 2026. May the year ahead be filled with meaningful moments, shared laughter, and lasting memories together.

For more on ‘Attention’ and ‘power’ containers read my blog: https://formativeyears.ca/blog/The-power-of-filling-a-child's-attention-and-power-containers