Simple Tips for The Holidays
A month ago, we asked our clients if they had any concerns about the upcoming holidays. It seems like caregivers' number one concern was preparing their kids for the many events during the holiday season. It is understandable for parents to feel concerned because the holidays are a time to celebrate and be joyous but stressful for many people, including kids. The number one advice we can give to parents is, remember these two concepts: comfortability and routine. If you have these two concepts in the back of your mind, your child will likely have a smoother time during holiday festivities.
Another thing to keep in mind is, take it easy and enjoy the moment. It is no secret the holiday season can be stressful, but it is also a time to be with loved ones and create new memories. Therefore, we created a game plan for parents this month. What is incredible about this game plan is that you can adapt the rules for any situation, including weddings, birthdays, vacations, etc.
Game Plan:
1. Prepare with social stories to explain what will occur/what to expect.
2. Practice and praise positive behaviors expected during these events beforehand.
3. Plan to arrive earlier to give your child time for acclimation to the setting (if not hosting).
4. Provide a backup meal or make sure your child has preferred-to-eat options.
5. Promote appropriate individual sensorial needs (headphones, walks, breaks, etc.)
Prepare
Use visuals such as social stories to explain what to expect on holiday gatherings and activities visually. Social stories are a learning tool to help children acclimate to new situations and deal with any problems during the given situation. In addition, creating social stories can assist with transitions and help children sift through their emotions. Ideally, the social story should mimic a schedule of the event, from getting ready for gathering to saying goodbye to everyone at the end.
Practice
Along with social stories, practicing various real-life situations helps build comfort and routine. For example, if you are going to a family dinner and doing buffet style, practice staying in line and waiting your turn, and mingling with other kids and adults at the party. Also, make sure to show a picture of extended family members or expected guests attending the party so your child can familiarize their faces before the event.
Christmas Social Story
Plan
Every family understands the importance of planning! It can save time, allow you to have control, and reduce stress for yourself and your child. Ask the host if you can come early with the family so your child can have some time by themselves and acclimate to the new environment. Let them roam around the different parts of the house and spend some time with them before guests arrive. Use this time to review the social stories you created and remind them of the various functions and people coming that day.
Provide
This next step works hand and hand with the previous step, Plan, because, with this step, you want to make sure you provide your child with a meal they can eat. Before the event, you can call the host to gather some information about the menu or recommend some dishes that you know your child will eat. If you don't feel comfortable recommending meals, you can always bring a backup meal for your child. Doing so will ensure that your child enjoys his meal without worrying about what they will or will not want to eat now.
Promote
Life can be unexpected and going to a holiday party is no exception. No matter how much you plan, sometimes things will go left. Understand your child's coping, self-regulation, and sensory needs and behaviors, allowing for space and opportunity for them to find their desired comfort. For example, let them sit in the corner of the table to enable the freedom of movement and space for breaks if needed to move around. Allow them to wear their headphones or play on their tablet for sensory input or vice versa. Make sure to have your child handy favorite books, toys, manipulatives, etc., to encourage appropriate waiting during downtimes and other such activities they might not desire.
It's the most beautiful time of the year. But realistically, it is also the most nerve-racking, pressuring, and mentally taxing time of the year with preparing dinner parties, buying gifts, and being around family, whether that is a positive or negative ordeal. We think this game plan can relieve some stress leading up to the holidays and any other events alike. Remember the two key concepts of comfort and routine, as these two can help make the season a little more easygoing.
Johana Calvo