Having Happy Holidays

The holidays can be magical with a little one there is so much excitement surrounding celebrations with friends and family, though this season can also be overwhelming for us all. Here are some helpful hints for the upcoming holiday get togethers:

SPACE OUT THE TIMING OF OPENING GIFTS.

This could be over a few hours, days, or even the month! Many have felt the chaos of everyone tearing into gifts, squeals of excitement, seeing wrapping paper all over, etc. For a sensory sensitive child, this  highly stimulating environment can be visually, aurally, and emotionally overwhelming. 

MAINTAIN A DAILY ROUTINE. 

How many times have you felt that you need a vacation after your vacation?! The holiday break has your family out of your normal routines with every part of your schedule (meals, rest time, outside play).  Try and establish some sort of predictable routine or largely consistent plan for every day- despite your travels. This will ease your child’s expectations and allow them familiarity through all the change/excitement.  Using a visual schedule will set your child up for success!

SCHEDULED DOWNTIME. 

During the holidays, it’s easy to be on the go go go and not even realize the toll that this season takes on you or your little one. Scheduling rest time is imperative for your family to navigate this season. Take a daily, intentional moment within your busy holiday schedule for your little one to go for a walk outside, take a nap, or relax with a few books. Decreasing the excess stimuli for a period of time will rejuvenate your child and help them feel better equipped throughout the rest of the day. 

BRING BACK UP FOOD.

Traditional holiday meals include dishes that aren’t always child friendly-especially if your child has any feeding needs. It is okay to bring extra snacks + meals to help your child be comfortable. Give some grace with your expectations and kindly advocate for your child’s needs with others. 

PREPARE & REHEARSE FOR A “BREATHER”

As a parent with a young child, prepare a plan for when your child appears to become overstimulated or unregulated. This could be a “breather backpack” with calming fidgets, a coloring book, etc. If your children are able to self identify when they need a break, rehearse signaling to you they need a breather or scenarios in which they might want to ask you for one. We all could use a breather from time to time- make the space to take a walk outside, drive for a quick cup of coffee, or whatever your choice is to give your child a little moment away.

GO WITH THE FLOW & EASE YOUR EXPECTATIONS!

Pressure & expectations from family or the holidays can be felt by you and your child. Give your family some grace & space to be able to enjoy the holidays (however that may look for you) rather than sticking to the “have to’s” that often come with the season.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ADVOCATE FOR YOUR KIDDOS!

Respectfully communicating routines or accommodations your child may have is proactive and stress relieving. For example, your little one may not be able to eat the wonderful casserole Grandma prepared; However, he/she will join the family at the table with his/her own special feast you brought. Or maybe visiting at home with the entire extended family was overwhelming for your little one, so you plan to schedule a smaller, special cousin play date at the park or indoor gym. 

ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO ADVOCATE FOR THEMSELVES.

The groundwork for healthy boundaries starts young through practicing how to validate feelings, advocate for his/her choices, demonstrate body autonomy, etc. A small but mighty example can be seen even in greetings. Your child may feel uneasy hugging less familiar family members, especially after potentially spending several years away from extended family throughout COVID. Ask your little one how he/she would you like to say hello&goodbye. Waving, hugging, fist bumps, or high fives are all acceptable greetings! 

Most of all - do what feels best for YOUR family and YOUR child’s needs. A happy holiday can be celebrated in many ways. We wish you the very best this season!