While the holiday season brings excitement with lights, music, parties, family gatherings, and festive foods, it can be overwhelming for children with developmental delay or sensory processing challenges. These activities can disrupt routines, and many kids thrive on a predictable schedule.
Want to know how to help your child navigate the upcoming holiday season with ease?
Create a routine: Keep a consistent schedule even during the holiday breaks. This can help your child feel secure and reduce anxiety.
Prepare for holiday events: Before an event, tell your child what they can expect (i.e. who will be there, what will they be doing, how long will they be there, what to do if they need to take a break).
Sensory friendly activities: The holidays often involve loud music, crowds, and bright lights. Offer sensory breaks in quiet spaces and have noise-canceling headphones or calming toys on hand.
Mindful eating: For children who are picky eaters, holiday meals can be a challenge. Encourage them to put new foods on their plate but always have familiar and liked foods as well.
Movement breaks: With the colder weather, it is more likely that kids play less outside so consider ways to keep them moving inside. This may include dancing, creating obstacle courses, or finding some fun brain break activities on Youtube.