Parent Matters Newsletter- Enjoying the Holidays

Parent Matters Notes for guiding parents of children with autism and other special needs	November 2010

Greetings!
It's hard to believe that the holidays are approaching quickly. Managing the holidays and including your child's needs during this busy time can be a challenge!

The following article is a reprint of a two-part series on Tips for Enjoying the Holidays with your Child. I wrote this article a few years ago and many of our ECI families found the tips helpful. We are happy to share it again. Enjoy!

Tips for Enjoying the Holidays with your Child
Part 1 of a 2 part series
No matter what holidays you may be celebrating in the coming weeks, it will provide many wonderful memories for your family. But, we all know that the holiday season can bring stress, lack of sleep and days that are not long enough to meet everyone's needs.

This will be my seventh holiday season since starting RDI® and I want to offer a few suggestions that will help everyone stay on track as a mindful guide despite the demands inherent in the weeks ahead.

Below are some of the most common challenges of the holiday season and tips to help you to manage outside noise and to stay focused throughout this busy time.

Stay tuned! Part 2 of this series will focus on specific holiday tasks and how to incorporate your child into every aspect of the holidays.

Managing School

Speak specifically with the teacher about controlling food and upcoming schedule changes so that you can help to prepare your child.
Talk about the holiday and reinforce learning about the traditions.
Ask the school to not allow the computer to be used as an alternative when your child can not attend special events.
Consider keeping the child home on days that will be particularly hectic.

Managing Biology-Sleep, Eating and Stress Reduction

Maintain your regular schedule (or get a regular schedule going.)
Avoid over scheduling.
Take time for yourself - even if it is a break at home.
Take some "couple time."
Avoid sweets.
When schedules are interrupted, return to the routine immediately.

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Managing Distractions and Triggers

Limit gifts or spread them out over time.
Consider developmental needs for gifts and not the gifts from the marketing blitz.
Tell family/friends what type of toys are best (avoid electronics and batteries).
Focus on giving to others.
Practice the fun of giving - talk about it.

Managing Visitors

Prepare children for greetings - give them a role (put coats away, etc.)
Talk to and prepare young children for visitors they may not know as well - use pictures if you can.
Maintain your schedule while visitors are staying in your home.
Educate visitors - especially about communication.
Make a plan for handling meltdowns - have an escape route and maybe even an escape manager - so when they do meltdown you can resolve it sooner.

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We hope that these reminders will help you start your holiday preparations with your child's needs in mind. Stay tuned for the second part of our series, when we will list specific holiday tasks and how to incorporate RDI® therapy into these tasks. It is a pleasure to work with you and your family. Please let us know how we can help you during these busy days ahead.

Sincerely,

Janice P. Guice, MA, CCC-SLP

RDI® Program Certified Consultant

jpguice@essential-communication.com