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The holidays can be full of celebration and time spent with family and friends. Not only that, they can bring a welcome change of activities and opportunity to reinforce special traditions.
For families with children who have special needs, however, all of these normally joyous aspects of the holiday season can be potentially challenging.
At Angel Kids Pediatrics, our skilled staff not only performs routine well-child exams and treats a variety of illnesses, we also provide specialized care and support for a wide range of physical and behavioral health issues, including for children with special needs.
Our 10 offices are located throughout Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Saint Johns, Florida, which makes receiving personalized care both easy and convenient. We also offer telehealth appointments.
Tips for holiday success
Extra people. Unfamiliar places. Packed schedules. Late bedtimes and too much junk food. What could possibly go wrong? Some of these challenges may be unavoidable, but with advance, proactive planning, the holidays can go more smoothly — and be enjoyable for all.
Tailor the holidays
Parents and caregivers know their children and their unique sensitivities, triggers, and comfort zones. Adapt holiday festivities to be as accommodating and inclusive as possible with this in mind. Certain things may not be the same as in the past, but you’ll be creating new traditions.
Prepare in advance
Tell stories about past holidays and family and friends to give your child a sense of what to expect. Looking at photographs of previous events can help, too.
Consider role-playing, creating a visual schedule, and, if possible, visiting locations in advance to improve your child’s comfort levels.
If your child gets overstimulated, establish a place for them to retreat to, as needed, where they won’t be bothered. For kids who have trouble with transitions, set a plan for guiding them with a countdown or visual cue. Explain behavioral expectations before activities, and reinforce positive actions.
Set loved ones’ expectations
Consider contacting family and friends in advance with suggestions on how to best interact with your child. This advice depends on the child, but could include no hugs, or requesting space for gradual introductions to multiple adults rather than overwhelming them all at once.
If your child may not respond in a typical manner to opening gifts, this could be conveyed in advance, as well.
Know (and read) your child
Forego activities that you know will be overwhelming or otherwise a poor fit for your child. Similarly, if you sense something is becoming too much, remove them from the situation. Your child’s comfort outranks traditions and other people’s expectations.
Keep a routine
Try to keep their bedtime and wake-up time as consistent as possible. Arrange for healthy meals and snacks. Include quiet time in their schedule to help them rest and recharge. Limit screen usage.
Prepare for a meltdown
Sometimes, no matter how hard parents and caregivers try to plan for everything, meltdowns happen. Have their favorite toys on hand to help them relax. Help them burn off extra stress with time spent playing outside. And know that this, too, will pass.
Expert care for kids with special needs
If you’re raising a child or teen with special needs, we can help shepherd their growth and development with routine check-ups and screenings. We can also help guide your family on ways to increase their independence, navigate special occasions, and more.
Call or click online to schedule an appointment at your nearest Angel Kids Pediatrics office in Jacksonville, Amelia Island, or Saint Johns, Florida, today.