 Preparing for the holidays!
The
holidays can be stressful for the sanest of people! There is so much
to do, to see, and to experience. All the parities, travel, decorations,
shopping…need I go on!
Throw
into the mix families with special needs children and you can count
on at least one good meltdown (and that is from mom!)
We
hope the following suggestions can help you have a calm and happy holiday
season!
 Don’t
expect children to remember the expectations of last year. |
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| Review
your expectations of behavior and fun before attending an
event. The right way to cheer at brother’s football
game is definitely different than sister’s play! |
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| Changes
in routine can be difficult for many children. Be sure you
discuss your plans with them in advance. Don’t forget
to include as much detail as possible! |
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| If
there is a change in your families traditions be sure to let
everyone know why and replace it with something equally as
fun! |
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| Remember
the holidays are stressful for adults as well. Kids can feel
your stress and will respond to it! |
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| Most
of all, remember that it’s O.K. not to go to every event
or family party! |
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Decking
the Halls!
| When
decorating it’s important to remember that what is festive
to you may be over stimulating to a child with sensory integration
problems. |
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| Consider
involving you child in designing the theme for your decorations.
Encourage compromise, creativity, and expanding on their comfort
level. Allow them to decorate a calm spot for them. This is
where they can go to regroup when over stimulated. Encourage
them to bring soothing music, stress balls, weighted blankets,
etc. |
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| At
the holidays all of our sensations are pushed to the limit.
It’s important to adjust where needed. A little more
calming music for the easily excited and a little more intensity
for the under aroused. |
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| Always
keep in mind that having a calm and happy child is better
than winning the neighborhood decorating contest! |
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Party
Time, Party Time!
| Parties
can be a huge source of meltdowns. They are a change in routine
that involve loud noises, different foods and smells, and
people invading your space. All this and nowhere to hide! |
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| But
if you prepare for these events you can minimize the meltdowns. |
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| Let
the child know ahead of time the who, what, where, and when
of the event. |
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| Let
then bring fidgets, headphones, or others calming toys. |
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| Once
at the party find a calm spot they can go when over stimulated.
Be sure to discuss this with the hostess. Let her know when
this would be used and why it helps. |
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| Eat
before you go—hunger never helps! |
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| If
the party is at your house invite families with similar children.
It helps to ease the tension! |
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| At
dinner parties allow the children to get up from the table
when done. Don’t insist they wait for the adults to
finish to be excused. |
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Don’t
Forget the Rest of the Family!!!
| One
of your first concerns should be taking care of yourself.
You cannot possibly expect to be able to ensure a calm and
happy holiday season if you are over tired and stressed! |
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| Don’t
forget that as a parent of a special needs child you spend
much of your time with him or her. There’s doctors appointments,
school meetings, specialists, etc. While this is important
it is equally important to make special time for the rest
of the family. Siblings of special needs children can at times
feel overlooked. |
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| Be
sure to get enough rest and healthy foods between the parities!! |
Remember that at
the holiday’s things rarely go as planned. Enjoy your time
with family and make memories that work for you and yours.
Wishing you a happy
and calm holiday season from all at Perspectives Therapy, Inc.!
Holiday tips were collected
and written by:
Christine Martinez OTR/L, SIPT, IMC
Perspective’s Therapy
Temecula, California
Contact Christine at chrismotr@yahoo.com
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