During the holiday season parents spend the majority of their time shopping, cooking, attending events, and running errands. The busyness has them running in circles and patience wears thing. This is more apparent when children act out during this time and parents respond with too much anger. This leaves everyone feeling terrible.
A better approach is to take a few extra seconds when responding. This demonstrates compassion, empathy, and self-control on the part of the parent. Sometimes all you need to do is think about responding in the most patient manner to help re-direct your child.
To prevent protentional behavior problems, take a few extra seconds before responding to poor behavior. Since children can feel overwhelmed talk to them about the behavior and give them a do-over. Use the holidays as a time to provide teaching moments and instill empathy.