Holiday Madness!

The holidays can be an exciting, but stressful time for all children, particularly children with disabilities.  Routines are thrown off, travel plans can be unpredictable, there is expectation for increased socializing, and school is out!

Here are some thoughts on ways to ease the holiday madness:

1) Reduce your expectations!  You may not be able to do everything and your children may not be able to participate in all the holiday festivities.  THIS IS OKAY.

2) Acknowledge to your children that there will be changes to their routine.  It gives your children a chance to anticipate what is coming (or not coming).

3) Each morning, review the day's plans.  If necessary, use a visual schedule.

4) Consider creating a "Different Box."  This gives your children an opportunity to develop a routine even though it is a "different kind of day."  This should include activities that are entertaining, enjoyable, and can be done independently.  Keep in mind that your child's attention span is limited.  If you are away from home, this can also serve as a way to bring some familiarity to the new environment.

5) Take time to sleep.

6)  And remember...the holiday madness will be over soon enough!

Stay tuned to our next post for how to get your child BACK into routines.