11 Nov Amazing K’s Top Tips for Maintaining Structure During the Long Holiday Season
As the long December holiday approaches, many families dread its challenges. For families of autistic children, this time can be particularly overwhelming as the regular school routine disappears, leaving parents feeling anxious about how to fill the days meaningfully. The good news is that maintaining structure doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive.
Our guide includes practical tips for creating an easy-to-follow routine that works for you and your child.
First and foremost, staying organised is vital. We know that children with autism thrive on structure, so a visual schedule is essential whether you’re staying home or traveling. These schedules provide predictability, helping your child know what to expect each day. You can find plenty of resources online with visual prompts and pictures to help you create your schedule.
Next, remember that you’re not alone. Your child’s school or autism-specific therapy center is there to support you. At Amazing K, we provide holiday packs for our learners, and most schools or therapy centers would be happy to share similar resources if parents ask. These can include activity ideas or simple routines to follow during the holiday.
Wake-up and bedtime routines are another critical component. During the school term, children consistently wake up and go to bed, which helps regulate their emotional and physical well-being. While it may be tempting to let your child sleep in during the holidays, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial. Keeping bedtime routines familiar, such as reading a favourite story or following a calming ritual, will help your child transition smoothly.
Mealtimes are just as important! Holidays can be unpredictable, but predictable meal schedules provide a sense of stability for autistic children. Try to keep mealtimes and the types of food similar to what your child is used to during school days.
Monitor sensory overload! The festive season can be overwhelming with loud parties, bright decorations, and general hustle and bustle. Understanding your child’s sensory profile is essential to avoiding meltdowns. Schedule regular sensory breaks, whether out and about or staying home. Simple activities like using a sensory bin, listening to calming music, or enjoying quiet time in a designated space can make all the difference.
Balance is vital when it comes to structured versus unstructured activities. Too much structure can overwhelm your child, while too little can lead to restlessness. While children may thrive in structured environments at school, this doesn’t always apply at home. Alternating between structured activities, like puzzles or crafts, and unstructured playtime helps strike the right balance.
Setting daily themes is a fun way to maintain engagement. For instance, you could have “Nature Monday,” where you explore the garden, or “Crafty Wednesday,” dedicated to arts and crafts. Themes can add excitement and provide a loose structure that keeps you and your child on track without feeling rigid.
Transitions between activities can be challenging, so it’s essential to prepare your child for them. Use visual or auditory timers to signal when one activity ends, and another begins. This simple step can significantly reduce anxiety and help your child adjust to daily changes.
Physical activity is another must. Movement helps regulate energy levels and supports overall health. Daily physical activity should be a staple in your holiday routine, whether it’s a walk around the block, a yoga session in the living room, or a spontaneous dance party.
Finally, practice flexibility and always have a backup plan. While routines are essential, holidays often bring unexpected changes. Be prepared to adapt, whether by leaving a crowded mall early or swapping out one activity for another. The ability to pivot and adjust will help ensure your holiday is filled with positive memories, even when things don’t go as planned.
