Tips for the Holidays:
1. Don’t wait for things to fall apart before trying to use a coping skill. Waiting until your child is
“melting down” is more reactive than proactive. Taking a break, doing some sensory
movements, or using a Mindfulness skill while still calm and able to self-regulate will help
maintain where they are at emotionally instead of trying to recover after becoming
overwhelmed and agitated; staying within the manageable range of the crisis cycle.
2. Show flexibility in what expectations you have for your child, what is realistic to expect your
child to manage? They might not be able to manage a three hour family party with three
generations of extended family, but they can probably manage a situation with either less
people or a shorter period of time they are expected to maintain appropriate behaviors. Look
for ways to maintain tradition and build memories, but still take into consideration what is
reasonable to ask your child to tolerate. Leaving a party in a positive position rather than
because of a behavioral outburst helps your child build self-esteem and the confidence that they
can manage difficult situations and still have a positive experience.
3. Create a game plan. What potential stressors might your child experience? How will you handle
if your child becomes dysregulated and has an outburst? Will you have access to someplace that
allows your child privacy and a chance to calm down? Having a game plan with your partner,
other family members, or even close friends can help eliminate impulsive, emotional responses
to negative behaviors, and help you feel more prepared.
4. Maintain some type schedule that includes limiting sleeping in or staying up late, basic academic
activities, physical activity, and down time. The schedule can vary from the typical day to day
expectations, but maintaining a relaxed schedule decreases anxiety and allows for an easier
transition back to expectations at home and school once the holidays are over.
5. Limit access to screens, any rules or expectations related to screens should be maintained even
during the holiday break. The excitement of the holidays makes it easy to let go of the typical
restrictions, trying to move back and forth between these restrictions can be difficult and cause
behavioral outbursts after the holidays.