Make the holiday season accessible for all children
The holidays are an exciting time, but they can also be very hard for many, resulting in an inability to self-regulate. Sometimes there is too much planned and sometimes there is too little, and the days can look and feel so different, which could result in emotional dysregulation that children may not yet be skilled enough to manage.
With the structure and routine of a child’s day looking very different than the norm, preparing ahead of time, and knowing some tips and tricks can help you and your kids feel equipped to handle anything that comes your way.
Here are some tips to help your kids during the holidays:
Structure their days
The night before or the morning of a big day, make a visual or written schedule and discuss the plan for the day ahead to help your child organize and understand how their day will look . Children are visual learners, so when you use a schedule, they know what they see is what they can expect. Consider using images or words depending on your child’s developmental stage. And don’t stress too much if things don’t go as planned!
Take out the visual timer
Keep Alexa and Google home for adults and take out the visual timer for your kids. This is a great tool to help children transition between activities. Use it to assist your child in getting out the door, for example, or leaving a much-desired activity (ex: putting away the video game or turning off the TV). This will also help your child understand the concept of time and how to organize their day.
Consider your child’s sensory needs
Some children may not like to hug or kiss others. Some need more movement, while others need more downtime. Some kids are picky eaters, and some can eat anything and everything. Plan to consider your child’s unique sensory needs to help them regulate, and incorporate activities that soothe their nervous system, like going for a walk or going up and down the stairs for a body break. Bring their headphones and/or their favourite fidget toy, and always try to resist taking away their sensory supports as a means of punishment. After all, it’s like taking away glasses that they need to use to be able to see! Be sure to regulate yourself as well, so your child can co-regulate with you. You can speak to a pediatric occupational therapist for more information on your specific child’s sensory needs.
Check in with your child
Help your child self-regulate by talking about their mental health. Work on this very important skill of helping them name their feelings and emotions: Are you bored? Happy? Sad? Mad? Overwhelmed? The Zones of Regulation is a great resource that uses colours to pin-point them. Check in with them throughout the day to get in the habit and help them name their feelings.
Advocate for your child’s needs
As a parent, you know your child best. If your child needs to leave early, a body break, a specific snack, their noise cancelling headphones, or all of the above, listen and respond to their needs. Don’t worry about what others think, or if they try to convince you to do otherwise. You know your child better than any other friend or family member!
Use coping strategies
Whether it’s a specific breathing exercise or even just belly breathing while blowing some bubbles, don’t forget the coping strategies that your child learned and practised in their occupational therapy sessions! Remind them to take this tool with them everywhere they go.
This is indeed a busy season, even for adults, and it can become overwhelming for many. Approach children with understanding and compassion, and encourage them to listen to their personal needs and self-regulate so you can all enjoy your time with family and friends during this festive and exciting time of the year!
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) provides a searchable national directory of occupational therapists for all Canadians to find the occupational therapy services they need. You can search for an OT who can provide more support your child’s specific needs for the holiday season and the whole year.