Holiday season success tips

​We are in the holiday season... How are you feeling about it? It's ok to have mixed feelings about the holidays. I usually look forward to the family gatherings but then can also feel anxious about parts of it as well. Some of my kids tend to get overwhelmed with lots of noise and commotion, others can't get enough :-). Here are some ideas to help your holiday season run smoothly. 

1. Sensory sensitive child? Plan for sensory breaks from the activity with your child. Help your child find a quiet space for some downtime if needed.
2. Holiday Meltdowns? Consider the acronym HALT as your starting point. Is your child Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired? Helping your child meet that need will help regulate emotions.
3. Overwhelmed with the holidays? As the parent, consider which parts of the holidays are the most important to you and your family, and then be willing to skip or pass on some of the extra invitations. Saying "yes to the best and no to the rest" will help you enjoy your family time around the holidays.
4. Just too much? Have an exit plan if you expect that one or more of your kids will have a shorter tolerance for holiday events. Is that Christmas parade just too much noise, cold or stimulation? Maybe it's time to initiate the exit plan and get overwhelmed kids home.
5. Aiming for picture perfect? It's easy to feel like we have to make our holidays look social media perfect, but we don't. Letting go of too high of expectations for yourself and your family will increase the joy you find in the little things.  

I'd love to hear what works for your family and making the holidays fun and successful! Send me an email and share your ideas with me! 

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This book is for all parents who have gone through, or will go through, a challenging parenting season.  Learn skills to be more resilient, and navigate your tough moments with confidence and compassion.