Parent Matters Newsletter- Enjoying the Holidays Part 2

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

Greetings!
We hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family. As we gear up for the holidays, I'd like to provide you with Part Two of our series on

Tips for Enjoying the Holidays with Your Child.

This article focuses on how to incorporate your child's needs into the necessary holiday tasks. Enjoy!

Tips for Enjoying the Holidays with Your Child
Part 2 of a 2 part series

I'd like for you to arrive in January with a sense that your holiday time was productive and purposeful for your child(ren) with special needs. It is really quite simple- include your child in the traditions that your family celebrates. Think of the verbs, even the verbs within the verbs. Think of your entire holiday repertoire. Think of all the activities that can give your child a meaningful role while still allowing you to prepare. Here is a list of some common holiday tasks that will lend themselves to with your child's meaningful participation.

This article has been posted on our ECI blog, "Handle with Care." To review this article or past articles, please follow our blog.

Sending Cards

Making cards together on computer or by hand
Making a card list, sorting and writing
Placing stamps on envelopes and placing return labels
Licking or wetting the flap and mailing the cards

Cooking

Pouring, stirring, measuring
Smelling and tasting
Rolling and cutting
Putting in the oven
Counting and sprinkling
Mixing
Squeezing and Snipping
Washing and cleaning
Tearing packets open

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Wrapping Gifts

Sizing the paper for the gift, cutting the paper
Boxing the gift
Tearing tape off and placing tape
Placing bows/ribbons and gift tags
Decorating craft paper (homemade gift wrap)
Carrying the gifts to the tree from the wrapping area
Placing the gift under the tree

Decorating

Hanging ornaments/stockings/cards
Carrying ornament boxes
Undoing or fluffing decorations
Checking lights
Placing table top decorations
Watering the tree
Putting tree together
Stringing the lights
Vacuuming after you decorate
Putting candles in the menorah

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We sincerely hope that you and your family will have a memorable and wonderful holiday season. Please let us know how we can help you during these busy days ahead. Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,

Janice P. Guice, MA, CCC-SLP

RDI® Program Certified Consultant

jpguice@essential-communication.com