Preparing for a Peaceful Holiday and Successful New Year
- annaksturgeon
- Nov 11, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 15, 2024
Helpful tips for Navigating the Holiday Season
WOW. Can you believe we are even talking about the holidays and preparing for a new year already? Holidays can be a mixture of so many different emotions - stress due to changes in routine, additional events and overstimulation, joy at the lights, smells and presents and even some fearful anticipation of how things might go. Before we are completely engulfed with the holiday season, I want to encourage you to take some time now to mentally, emotionally and physically prepare yourself so that you and your family can enjoy this season as much as possible.
#1. Increase Reinforcement
Holidays often mean changes in routine and schedule, which can cause alot of stress on our children. Increasing reinforcement for appropriate behaviors (big and small!) can help prevent or lessen maladaptive behaviors as well as Increase the peace In your home. This can look like...
extra social praise - kids hear "no", "don't do that", etc SO often. Let's refocus our energy on what they are doing WELL. ex. Caught Ya Being Good Jars
longer access to preferred activities - ex. "Wow you have had a busy week - how about some bonus video game/outside/sensory play time?"
more intentional one-on-one attention - remember behavior Is communication, and your child could be communicating a need for your attention. The holidays can have you pulled a million directions so take some Intentional time to connect with your child with preferred activities
#2. Focus on Successful Activities
The holidays can be a time when your child's differences and support needs might feel highlighted and even somewhat heavy. Look for ways to incorporate your child's specific interests into the holiday events, allow for frequent breaks and don't be afraid to try again!
If your child loves bright lights but struggles walking In loud environments, consider driving to see holiday lights (Pecan Grove, River Oaks, The Light Park
More and more businesses are offering Sensory Friendly events this holiday season. Find our list of suggested events HERE!
Sensory toys and activities can meet the needs of your child AND make great holiday gifts! Check out this site for some great Ideas Here!
Remember - there is NO right or wrong way to celebrate the holidays, and if there's an activity or event that your child isn't ready for yet, that's ok! Center your focus on what your child can do and what your family can enjoy together.
#3. Recharge Yourself
Take an hour, a day, a moment to engage in quality self-care for YOU prior to the holiday chaos. Some examples could include:
De-cluttering your home to create more peace and cohesiveness before being bombarded by more holiday "stuff". Read some great decluttering tips here
Get more sleep! Make an effort to avoid those late night scrolls or tv bingeing and go to sleep early. More high quality sleep will help you tackle (and enjoy!) all the holiday fun.
Indulge in something for you - a bubble bath (spring for the bath salts and candles!), a massage, a new fun holiday outfit. Find a way to treat yourself that brings you joy!
Set Your Family Up for a Successful 2025!
Setting your child up for a successful New Year can include making sure they have all the therapies and supports they need to achieve their best selves. If your child has been struggling in school or showing signs of developmental delay - don't wait! evaluate!
Autism Evaluations:
Let's get your child the proper evaluations necessary to access critical services (ST, OT, ABA) In 2025!
There are only a handful of assessment spots available between now and the new year. If you are ready to book an assessment click below:
Caregiver Support
We would love to help you with an individualized plan to support your child at home or school through our one-time individual consultations or Caregiver Support Bundles
Toilet Trained by Christmas! There are only TWO available spots for our Toilet Training Bundle between now and the new year. If you want to master toilet training in 2024 let's talk!
Book any caregiver support services the month of November and receive 10% off using code HOLIDAY
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