Making the Most of Holiday Break: Tips for Parents of Children with Disabilities
Check out The Inclusive Dad Podcast!!
The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and creating memories with loved ones. For parents of children with disabilities, it can also be a time of unique challenges and stress. How do you balance structured routines with festive activities? How can you carve out time to truly enjoy the moments?
Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of the holiday break with your child while ensuring you find time to recharge and enjoy the season.
1. Plan with Flexibility in Mind
The holidays often disrupt normal routines, which can be challenging for children who thrive on structure. Create a flexible schedule that incorporates both familiar routines and holiday activities.
Tips:
Use a visual calendar or checklist to help your child anticipate each day.
Include plenty of downtime between events to avoid sensory overload or exhaustion.
Be ready to adapt if something doesn’t go as planned.
2. Create Meaningful Holiday Traditions
Traditions provide comfort and a sense of belonging. Tailor your holiday traditions to fit your child’s abilities and interests.
Ideas:
Bake or decorate cookies together, even if it’s just stirring batter or adding sprinkles.
Watch holiday movies with captions or sensory-friendly settings.
Make decorations, such as paper chains or personalized ornaments, for the house.
3. Explore Accessible Activities
Look for holiday events and activities designed to be inclusive and accessible. Many communities offer sensory-friendly events or adaptive holiday programs.
Suggestions:
Check local theaters for sensory-friendly showings of holiday films.
Visit Santa at a quiet, wheelchair-accessible venue with shorter lines.
Explore outdoor light displays if your child enjoys visual stimulation.
4. Prioritize Connection Over Perfection
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to create a “perfect” holiday, but your child will value your presence more than anything else.
Focus on:
Being fully present during activities, even if they don’t go as planned.
Laughing, sharing stories, and savoring simple moments together.
Letting go of expectations and embracing the beauty of imperfection.
5. Take Care of Yourself
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself allows you to be the best parent you can be.
Self-care tips:
Schedule time for yourself, even if it’s just 15 minutes with a cup of coffee.
Lean on your support system, whether it’s family, friends, or online communities.
Practice mindfulness or gratitude to stay grounded during the hustle and bustle.
6. Build in Quiet Time
Holidays can be overstimulating, so make sure your child has access to a quiet space to decompress when needed. This can help prevent meltdowns and ensure everyone enjoys the season.
Strategies:
Create a sensory-friendly corner with calming items like weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, or favorite toys.
Plan shorter outings to reduce the risk of overstimulation.
Use social stories to prepare your child for unfamiliar settings.
7. Reflect on the Joy
At the end of each day, take a moment to reflect on the joyful moments you shared. Encourage your child to do the same, in whatever way they’re able. This could be through talking, drawing, or writing.
The holiday season doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. By focusing on connection, flexibility, and shared experiences, you can create lasting memories with your child while finding moments of peace and joy for yourself.
Wishing you and your family a warm, joyful holiday season filled with love and connection!
