With a little intentional planning, co-parents can help create predictability, reduce stress, and keep the holidays meaningful and magical for their children.

The constant movement and flurry of expectations can easily overshadow the joy, connection, and peace we hope this season will bring. If you find yourself running on empty or feeling more frazzled than festive, you’re not alone.

To a child, playfulness is the birthplace of joy, laughter, safety, and connection. It’s one of the quickest ways to shift a tense moment, build emotional attunement, and strengthen your relationship.

If you’ve noticed your mood dipping as the snow piles up and the days grow shorter, you’re not alone. Many North Dakotans face this seasonal struggle each year. The good news is there are practical, intentional ways to care for yourself and support your mental health during this season.

We can’t protect our children from everything they hear, but we can help them feel grounded, informed, and safe in a world that often feels unpredictable.

The effects of childhood bereavement can be profound, impacting school performance, relationships, and emotional well-being. Yet it’s important to remember that grief itself is not a problem to be solved. It is a natural, human response to loss. Children don’t need their grief “fixed,” but they do need our understanding, honesty, and steady support.