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It’s that time of year! Snowball fights, sledding, hot chocolate, and quality family time. However, for some children, and their families, this time of the year can be stressful for a plethora of reasons. This means a long break from school, unstructured days, and big changes in daily routines. In turn, we may see behavioral changes which leads to both unhappy parents and children.
So how can we help prep for this busy time of year? Focus on trying to make small changes in the routine in the time leading up to the holidays. For example, if you always brush teeth right after the shower, perhaps you decide to brush teeth before the shower. This may help with rigidities that develop from sameness in routines. During days off from school or unstructured days, create a visual schedule for your child to follow in order to help them prepare for what lies ahead. Something as simple as alerting your child to what lies ahead in their day may significantly help them prepare and understand what the day will look like. For big family gatherings, be sensitive to your child’s needs and look to alert others of simple modifications they can make in their behavior to create positive interactions with others. For example, notifying family members with pertinent information such as, “<Insert name here> doesn’t like to be picked up”, or “Don’t leave drinks unattended because <insert name here> will knock them over” may help make for a successful and happy visit.
Holidays can be overwhelming for all, but with minor modifications and some preparation, these changes can be met with a smile!
*This information is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be used to replace consultation with your doctor or qualified professional.
