As an experienced mom, the holidays can be a challenge. The following five tips will help you create calm and peace in your day.
- Be mindful that menus stay familiar
Children with autism may be challenged by holiday foods and menus. Keeping meals and menus familiar will reduce texture and food choice refusals.
- Plan to travel and keep familiar snacks handy
During the holidays, children may need to travel or be in unfamiliar places during snack time. Carrying your own snacks and treats may provide incentive and ease during transitions.
- Be mindful of sugar and caffeine.
Often, holiday offerings involve extra sugar and caffeine. If your child or teen is having more act-outs or difficulty sleeping, it could be the fuel they’re consuming. Be mindful that many holiday recipes include additional sugar and caffeine.
- Plan for quiet nights at home.
The holidays often invite our calendars to be crowded. Our expectations to have a peaceful holiday are more likely to be fulfilled when we plan pauses, quiet evenings, and spaces between activities.
- Give yourself permission to define what works for your family–and do it.
Hallmark nor Pinterest nor Instagram is the definer of your success. Be mindful that you are the resident expert on your family, and plan and participate accordingly. A good thing for others may not be even acceptable for yours. Do what works for you. Better a lovely evening than a competition for chaos.
- Choose what matters to you.
There are many ways to do almost anything. If something is important to you, take time to think through what matters about it and release the rest. Maybe that perfect picture is made up of five individual pictures on a card versus one perfect five-person picture. The picture is what you are after; keep it easy.
The important part of the holidays is creating and connecting to those we love. It’s the best gift to give yourself and your family: Less stress this season!
