The holidays are an exciting time for children; a time
of change and novel sensory experiences. Home
and other familiar places look different as furniture
is rearranged and decorations added. A trip to the
mall or even a drive down the road is a kaleidoscope
of glimmering lights and colors.
Stores are scented with cinnamon or pine. Even
home smells different as the tree is put up, candles
lit and Mom starts her holiday baking. There are
new tastes, when the neighbor drops off a sample
of her favorite cookies and Aunt Sue tries a new
recipe.
Sounds will be different. There will be ringing of the
Salvation Army bell at store entrances, and
lots of holiday music. When the entire family gets
together to celebrate, look out! The volume of
noise will definitely increase!
There are more visits with family and friends. Daily
routines are different as preschools and schools
take a vacation and parent's work schedules change
to accommodate the holidays. There is anticipation
of parties, gifts, and dreams of a bearded guy in a
red suit!
As a parent you will experience the same changes in
sensory experiences and routine. In addition, you
have increased demands on your time, as you try
to get the shopping, cooking, wrapping and
decorating under control. The last thing you need is
a child who is uncooperative or in the midst of a
tantrum.
A little planning can soften the excitement and
sensory overload of the season helping to keep your
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little elves in cooperative spirits. Following are some
suggestions to get you started.
1. Schedule quiet time after overstimulating
sensory experiences such as going to the mall, or a
noisy party.
2. Keep your child informed about the events of the
day or week (depending on her age and needs). If
your child is younger or more of a visual learner, put
up a schedule of the day using pictures.
3. If your child loses control during or after
shopping trips, take shorter trips or arrange to have
child care. Don't forget you can shop through
catalogs or the internet while your little ones sleep
(and you are lounging in your pajamas, sippin' hot
chocolate)!
4. Listen to what your little elf is telling you about
the sensory experiences he is having. He may use
words or actions to tell you when he has had
enough. If you don't "listen" you may have to deal
with the behavioral consequences.
5. Pay special attention to your child's diet as good
nutrition enhances behavioral control and
cooperation. Be alert to the fact that sweets will be
more readily available and demands on your time
may mean more trips to fast food restaurants.
6. Monitor and manage your stress & fatigue level.
It's difficult to be patient and understanding with
young children when you are exhausted and
stressed.
7. If your child does lose control or "melt down", try
a little first aid. That might mean moving to a quiet
room or corner, hugging, sipping a cold drink
through a straw, or munching on something
crunchy.
-Remember-
An ounce of planning and preparation is worth
a pound of cooperation and contentment!
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