GETTING THE FAMILY “IN SYNC” WITH THE HOLIDAYS

By Janna Barrick, M.S.,OTR/L

The wise person who said “I like birthdays … it’s the parties I’m not sure about” could just as well have applied this to holidays. New social situations, changes in routine, and traveling can tire even the most flexible adults. By planning ahead and considering the needs of children involved, everyone can join in enjoyable celebrations. Included below are tips and considerations for holiday travel or attending events with your children, along with some expert advice for children with special needs.

Scheduling and traveling
Through how many holiday parties can a child realistically maintain good behavior? Examine your schedule for holiday events—are they well spaced throughout, or are they jammed into a few days? Consider alternating holiday attendance at different sides of the family to reduce stress (and travel expenses)! Would one host consider scheduling his or her gathering somewhat before or after the actual holiday? If appropriate, involve the child in decision making regarding which and how many events are realistic to attend.

When traveling distances, pack a variety of entertainment sources, including new items and ones that have not been used in awhile. Your local libraries, bookstores, and movie rental or retail shops are wonderful resources. When selecting items, consider including age appropriate travel games with tiny pieces to manipulate to support fine motor development. Also, pack a variety of healthy snacks and drinks in travel-friendly containers to extend travel endurance.

Prior to entering the event, a child who has been riding in the car for hours may need to stretch, run around the yard, jump on a trampoline, or participate in other exercise before he or she can establish best behavior. If your children are likely to become over-stimulated or overwhelmed with all the confusion, assign a quiet escape place and a code word to indicate when they need some time away with adult supervision. If there is not a quiet space available, you may need to designate your car, have them use the bathroom for a few minutes, or go for a quick walk. Consider bringing along calming music, a book, or a favorite toy for stressful situations.

Structure
While children enjoy playing together during the holidays, adults must balance supervision with meal preparation, cleanup, and other duties. Children who are easily overwhelmed by noise, or who have difficulties with social skills or recognizing body language may become upset during these times. Consider speaking with the host about organized activities for the children present. Hosting an event at your home may be an ideal time to initiate some loose structure via these activities, rather children providing their own entertainment. Consider renting a classic holiday film, such as a “Charlie Brown” movie, and purchasing supplies for a simple craft (i.e., a woven construction paper placemat). A local drugstore or dollar store may have inexpensive games or toys to give out as favors. If there will be older children or teenagers attending, they may enjoy being in charge of the entertainment (with some adult oversight). Weather permitting, an outside activity may preserve breakables and allow the group to release pent-up energy.

Holiday shopping
While shopping online has saved consumers from spending time in lines and crowds, it is often necessary to run out for a few last minute food items or gifts with the family in tow. Try to “one stop shop” in a store or shopping center that carries a variety of items. For long forays, plan shopping where breaks for food or entertainment (play place, arcade, or movie theater) are available or can be used as behavioral reinforcement if needed. For children who have difficulties sitting in a cart or standing in line for periods of time, bring some “fidgets” as a diversion, such as inexpensive manipulatives or kid’s meal toys with moveable parts. If noise and crowds easily overwhelm your child, consider having them participate in calming strategies, such as chewing gum, “heavy work” carrying shopping bags, or listening to music through headphones.

Seeking expert assistance
If your child has significant difficulties with noise, crowds, standing in line or sitting still, he or she may benefit from a physician’s referral for an occupational therapy evaluation. A pediatric occupational therapist working in an outpatient center can determine if your child could benefit from skilled services and sensory strategies recommended for home use.

© 2009 Janna Barrick, M.S.,OTR/L

Janna Barrick is an occupational therapist specializing in Pediatrics for Tx:Team partnered with Frederick Memorial Hospital's outpatient clinics located in Frederick, Maryland. JBarrick@fmh.org.

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