Holiday Thrival Hacks

 Sip of the Week: Brett breaks down why the holidays — even the fun parts — can create stress for kids and adults alike. Schedules shift, sleep gets weird, food routines get thrown off, and we’re suddenly surrounded by 30 people, four casseroles, and too many opinions. One of Brett’s biggest tools is the acronym HOTTTS: Hunger, Overstimulation, Tired, Temperature, Thirst, Sick. Kids can’t always communicate what’s off — they just act off. As parents, caretakers, or aunties, becoming a “dysregulation detective” helps us respond instead of react. And yes… this acronym works for adults too. Brett also offers practical scripts for boundaries, wisdom for dealing with pushback, and a beautiful reminder that your job isn’t to keep everyone happy — it’s to honor your kids’ needs and your own values. Listen Now!

Let It Brew: This episode is a grounding breath for anyone navigating kids, family dynamics, or personal expectations during the holidays. Brett reminds us that regulation begins with us — and that kids aren’t “misbehaving,” they’re communicating unmet needs. Through compassionate insights, tangible tools, and simple reframes, she shows us how to honor our values, protect our peace, and create holidays rooted in connection rather than pressure. Whether you’re a parent, an aunt, or simply someone trying to stay steady in a loud season, this episode offers clarity, comfort, and a whole lot of permission to slow down.

Post Tea Pursuits: 

This week, try one of Brett’s grounding practices:

🌱 Name the need.
Before reacting, ask yourself or your child: “What’s actually off right now?”

🧃 Pre-plan the break.
Decide before the gathering where the quiet room, walk, or reset spot will be.

🎄 JOMO > FOMO.
Practice the joy of missing out — say no to one thing that doesn’t align with your family’s needs.

🧍‍♀️ Hold the boundary.
If someone pushes back, remind yourself: a boundary is what I will do, not what you must do.