If you haven’t been on the FaceBook page on a holiday then you should! I try to give at least hourly tips on making the day run smoother. Everything from sensory suggestions to navigating the questions about “are you still homeschooling?”
Today I am going to start with some basic tips and ideas to get your holiday parties, meals, and get together better!
1) Set rules for the holiday. Write them down. Share them with anyone coming to your home or you going to their home. Ex: If someone is sick we may not be able to stay. Ally cannot fight infections. That way everyone knows what to expect!
2) Slight changes in the norm are OKAY! We used to carol and walk the neighborhood to see the lights. Our youngest has autism and will wander off, in the cold and dark that is very dangerous. It is safer and perfectly acceptable to tour a lighted park near by rather than try to walk through the neighborhood if you have a child that wanders easily.
3) Do what you can and NO more. Don’t let the pressures of the season, guilt trips, etc push you and your family to the point of meltdown.
When mommy is locked in the bathroom rocking back and forth you have gone too far!
4) Dress your child in comfy clothing! Also layers would be helpful since a home full of people can be hot in places and cold in others.
5) Suggest a compromise. I had a step parent that had a holiday dinner expecting everyone to be in their very best. Kids at the kid table, alone, and parents at the adult table. For some of us that just isn’t possible. Suggest a compromise that will keep your child safe and watched over.
6) The quickest way to ruin a holiday is a marriage divided. Stand together, and if there is a disagreement take it to the bedroom or a private room! Don’t let a high emotion stressful day take over a wonderful, happy memory for your family!
7) Create a tradition today. That can be simply sitting together sharing with your child all the great things that you were blessed with this year!
8 ) Know when to call it a day! There are times that you still have relatives to visit and things to do, but the body is done. Listen to your body or your child’s and go home early. You can visit tomorrow or this weekend.
Here is an article I wrote for Heart of the Matter all about ‘Holidays with Sensory Kids’ http://heartofthematteronline.com/holiday-with-sensory-kids/
I hope your holiday season is a wonderful one! Free from drama and sensory meltdowns.