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Surviving the Holidays with Special Needs

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I love the holidays! But I’m going to be honest I’ve learned to just say No. I’ll explain more about that below. Several years ago I took a stand for our holiday days and do what’s best for us. So if you are in survival mode during these winter holidays and barely treading water, let alone actually enjoying them – reading this will definitely help you.

The Best Tip for Having Great Holidays, Surviving the Holidays when you have Children with Special Needs, Kids Anxiety, SPD, Autism Help, Family Fun Tips


Surviving the Holidays with Special Needs

Looking back years ago we did the “normal” holiday thing. We traveled around visiting grandparents, chatting while we waited to eat, all while the kids ran around or sat bored and wishing they were home with their new toys.

After several years of doing that and after having a few more kids I just decided NO.

No we aren’t getting out of jammies unless we want to, no we aren’t rushing the kids to get dressed to leave for Grammies, no we aren’t pulling our children away from their new gifts, Sorry but No.

The Best Tip for Having Great Holidays, Surviving the Holidays when you have Children with Special Needs, Kids Anxiety, SPD, Autism Help, Family Fun Tips

Especially once we had Little B.

Loud sounds, way too many smells, lights, commotion, stress, it just wasn’t going to do.

Children with special needs thrive off of routine. They need to feel secure and during the holidays that can take a major toll on them and cause anxiety.

The Best Tip for Having Great Holidays, Surviving the Holidays when you have Children with Special Needs, Kids Anxiety, SPD, Autism Help, Family Fun Tips

My oldest son has suffered with extreme anxiety disorder for years and I’ve become aware of things that can set it off. Just so you know it’s a lot easier to help the situation when they are younger, so if you can educate yourself and your child now it will definitely help in the future.

 

Tips for Surviving the Holidays with Children that have Special Needs

#1. Don’t feel bad about saying No (stay home, relax, cook, play)

2.  Help your child before the holidays come, in dealing with challenging situations (explain your plan of events)

3. Don’t feel like you have to compare your family with what others are doing. I know this is hard but one day you’ll get to a place where it feels so good just doing what is best for your kids and your family.

4. Use Calming the Child Essential oil. Diffuse a little during the day or dab a little on the back of your child’s neck or wrists. It helps your child relax, sleep and calms emotional upsets during the day.

The Best Tip for Having Great Holidays, Surviving the Holidays when you have Children with Special Needs, Kids Anxiety, SPD, Autism Help, Family Fun Tips for Christmas

Believe me the grandparents will start visiting your house and having a lot more fun seeing the kids playing and happy 🙂 Have a great holiday season.


You might be interested in these:

To The Exhausted Mom That Never Gets A Good Night Sleep

sleep special needs essential oils

Daily Visual Schedule for Kids

daily schedule printables

 

The Best Christmas Books for Kids

Christmas books

Surviving the Holidays with Special Needs | Natural Beach Living

Free Christmas Visual Schedule for Kids | Every Star is Different

Navigating Trauma and PTSD Over The Holidays | STEAM Powered Family

Holiday Myths & Autism | My Home Truths

Visual Christmas Schedule for Special Needs Kids | Life Over C’s

Surviving the Holidays with a Child with Anxiety | The Chaos and The Clutter

Questions Special Needs Parents Face During the Holidays | This Outnumbered Mama

26 Holiday Survival Tips for Autism Families | And Next Comes L

The Year That I Made Santa Claus Cry | Kori at Home

Conquering the Holidays: They Don’t Need to be Perfect | 3 Dinosaurs

Why I Canceled Christmas: What You Need to Know about Surviving Holidays | Carrots Are Orange

I’d love for you to stop by our Private Facebook Group and share your ideas for a great holiday.

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