Thanksgiving is coming up fast and everything can get hectic! This can make us forget our basics. As our house fills with delicious foods and favorite and less favorite family members don’t forget your core parenting tools!
Try to keep routines. Thanksgiving Day is a day that the schedule is different (I know we eat dinner at 3pm!) but see if there are SOME things you can keep the same. For example, wake up at the regular time, allow your child to watch the shows they usually watch, and nap when they usually nap. It wont be fully possible but look for ways you can do this.
Encourage engagement that feels good to everyone! What are ways that your child enjoys interacting with people? If they hate saying hello or saying their age, maybe save that for a less stressful day. Maybe try sharing a puzzle or even a video game with family members.
Allow them to say no to touch. It is important that all people (especially kids with special needs) can consent to touch. They shouldn't be forced to hug or kiss relatives. This will likely lead to tantrums or makes it more likely they will let other people touch them without permission.
Let them be themselves. They will probably do some strange things. It could be for a variety of reasons- that’s what makes them so cool, they are stressed, or they are being annoying kids. If you try to get them to stop or act like it bothers or embarrasses you, it will make the day tense. Your child will feel bad, the other guests will feel tense, and you’ll be miserable. Embrace the awesome! And if Aunt Edna has a problem, let her grumble or leave. I
Set appropriate boundaries. Set the same boundaries and rules as other days. If rules no longer apply, this can be stressful and dysregulating. We can be flexible and kind while still expecting our kids to be safe and kind as well. Whatever rules you usually have should still be in place. If you change a rule entirely just say so. Is the rule no running inside but today its allowed- say so!
Holidays are stressful for everyone. Try to have fun, be flexible, and remember traditions come in all forms!
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