Preparing for Special Holiday Events - Página 2

Visiting Relatives and Friends

Prepare your young child for making visits or (or hosting company) by "role playing"; through the social event, helping them to practice greetings, respond to social cues and initiate conversations. Writing a "social story" can be a fun and effective strategy.

Develop an activity bag with quiet activities that your child enjoys, such as coloring, puzzles, books, non-messy crafts, electronic games, etc. Try to include one or two activities that your child can do with others at the gathering — for example, a great new pocket game, 20-Q, allows your child to play 20 Questions with other guests using a compact electronic orb.

Speak with the hosts of the home you are visiting and identify a quiet space where your child can "escape" when he or she is feeling overwhelmed or in need of some alone time. Have the child do a "walk through" of the new space and let them put their activity bag in the room. Also be sure to clarify expectations (how people should behave) and ask about any house rules (like no food in the bedrooms and no chasing the cats) that could ensure a pleasant time is had by all.

Practice conversation starters with the child on the way to the event or before company arrives, reminding them who will be present, and suggesting interests they may have in common with the other guests.

Prepare your child for "hugs and handshakes." It's not unusual for children to be uncomfortable being hugged and kissed by adults, even when they are well known to them. Help the guests at the gathering be respectful of your child's needs for 'personal space' and encourage a hand shake or even a smile and a wave if they choose.

Holiday celebrations can be tiring and stressful for children and adults alike. Don't be reluctant to be the last ones to arrive and the first ones to offer thanks and say goodbye if that will help make the time enjoyable for all.

Arrange a special signal with your child that will help you get each others attention, if needed. Children with LD often need to "check in" from time to time, and even a glance across the room and a signal that things are going OK can be helpful.

Be prepared for conversation "stoppers." If questions are asked or comments are made that are potentially embarrassing to you or the guest, try your best to change the subject, or better yet, share something on a positive note and move on.

Other Helpful Tips

Do not feel obligated to accept every social invitation. Keep a calendar on hand and plan for both outside events and quiet times with your child and family.

Make time for private, special interactions with your child during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Building memories such as creating a gingerbread house or finger painting place mats for grandma can be meaningful ways to capture the holiday spirit now and in years to come.

Let your child use a camera and encourage him or her to be the event photographer. This could be a great ice-breaker for children who want to maintain some distance from the action and still feel engaged.

Keep your child's regular routines as consistent as possible. Eating habits and bedtimes are often the first causalities of the holiday season, but eating well and getting enough rest are important all year round. Don't let these routines get away from you, as they will be harder to re-establish once the holiday season is done.

Lastly, remember that memories are made not by the gifts received but by the time spent with loved ones. The holidays are a wonderful time to reconnect with family and friends and in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we frequently forget to take time to stop, reflect, and enjoy the company of those we love!