Here we go again. The night before we are back to school. The next three weeks will be filled with parties, baking, shopping, decorating and late nights PLUS state tests, homework and class tests. Sports are still in play as well as afterschool activities. Your child who craves consistency and structure will be struggling. Navigating the different situations will be difficult, but doable. Here are a few suggestions.
Decorating for Christmas can create a lot of danger areas. Before you start, have a few go to items available for your child to use if they get bored. Your child needs to be told before you start that they can decorate or play. They can always resume decorating, but they will have a safe place to entertain themselves.
Baking is a wonderful activity that can check off many teaching skills. Waiting, measuring, reading, watching and doing are all skills needed when baking. Involve your child in the process so they can have fun. Have them involved when making the shopping list, locating the ingredients in the store, reading the recipe, measuring the ingredients, cleaning up and then enjoying the final product.
Adults get tired when shopping and so do our children. Plan ahead. Take breaks. Munch on snacks. Have things to preoccupy your children when you are waiting in those very long lines. Children with disabilities often have reactions to different scenarios and if you can plan ahead it makes it easier for your child. Shop in the morning or later in the day. Weekdays may prove to be less crowded, but your child will be tired after a day of school. Maybe someone can watch them while you run out for a few hours. You know your child best and their triggers. Ask for help from family and friends to make it a more enjoyable experience for all.
School parties now have many more restrictions than they used to. Allergies have led to many different looks of parties that used to be filled with sugared desserts. Children still practice for a concert, play or a holiday show. PLEASE, PLEASE know how very important it is for you to show up for your child’ s special day. As a teacher, I have seen the behaviors arise because their parent didn’t come and other children got to eat with their parents while they sat alone. That special award was given out and DJ’s parents weren’t there. I understand work restrictions, but every year around the holidays a show of some sort is planned. Try to plan ahead so you can run out for an hour.