Shrink Stress for Happy Holidays!

Several families I currently work with have expressed concern regarding their child and holidays events. Many kids, especially those with social anxieties, sensory issues and/or communication delays/disorders have a difficult time transitioning to new environments and participating in novel events. Hence, holiday time, which is often filled with long rides, unfamiliar people and unique experiences, can be very stressful for small children, as well as their parents, siblings and other family members.

So, fear not! Here are some tips that I hope you find helpful for shrinking stress this holiday season!

• The Name Game - Talk about the people your child will be interacting with over the holidays. For example, if you will be visiting aunts, uncles and cousins your child rarely sees, talk about them! Practice saying their names. If you have pictures of these people, that is even better. Show your child their picture each day for a few days leading up to the event and prep them for the social gathering.
  
• The Santa Scene - If you would like to do a trip to sit on Santa's lap but fear the experience due to your child's stranger anxiety, prepare them for the event! Show your child pictures of Santa ahead of time. Read books about Santa and help your child become familiar with an image of what Santa looks like. You may want to go visit Santa and even look at him from afar first, but make plans to return a second or third time for the actual photo shoot.
  
• It's a Family Affair - All the work you do to prepare your child for the holidays can be wonderful, but it can be even better with support! Remember there is power in numbers! Get your husband, wife, grandparents and your other children involved. Many kids love to be like their siblings, so get them on board as well. Play the name game at dinner and look at family photos together as a group. This will help to reinforce your goal and help make all your children feel safe about where they will be traveling and who they will be meeting.
  
• The Comfort of Home - Last, but not least, remember that preparation is vital. If you are traveling and leaving home, bring some of your child's favorites along for the ride....favorite foods, favorite toys, etc. The goal is to make the holidays as enjoyable as possible for everyone involved including your little one. So, bring along their favorite teddy bear and choice sippy cup! Having something on-hand to comfort and soothe them if they become overwhelmed, fearful or completely over-tired may make all the difference!

Please write in and share your own ideas for reducing holiday stress!

Happy Holidays to all!! Wishing you peace and joy this season!