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- Read social stories or children\u2019s books about holiday parties or family gatherings so they know what to expect. Use photos from last year\u2019s gathering. Visuals are great to help your child process and prepare.
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/fargo\/files\/2022\/12\/Change-Photo-300x222.jpg\")
<\/a> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/fargo\/files\/2022\/12\/Todays-Schedule-237x300.jpg\")
<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n- Use visual schedules, checklists, or timers.<\/strong>\n
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- Show your child visual schedules leading up to your holiday plans. Talk to your child in advance and set the expectations. \u201cWhen we first get to Grandma\u2019s house, we are going to talk with everyone, and you can play with ____ while we do that. Then we are going to eat dinner in the dining room. You will be sitting at the kids table with your cousins.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Know and honor your child\u2019s limits<\/strong>.\n
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- Do your best to prevent over-scheduling when their schedules are already altered being \u201coff\u201d of school. Bright lights and sounds, new smells, unexpected touch, and different environments can be challenging. Bring calming sensory tools with you or a favorite stuffed animal, doll or toy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Keep their schedules as routine as possible<\/strong>.\n
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- While they may be on school break, schedule out reading time together, making their lunch and eat together, and open play time (like recesses). Ensure they are rested and follow your nightly and morning routines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Incorporate movement or breaks and a calming space<\/strong>.\n
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- If attending a program or long travel, incorporate movement or breaks. Know your child\u2019s limits, breaks to listen to familiar music or in a separate room are ok to ensure they feel comfortable in a new setting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Reference & More Tips Visit: Holiday Survival Tips for Kids who have Sensory Differences (therapyshoppe.com)<\/a><\/p>\n
Check out GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo ‘Best of All’ books for last minute gift ideas (lists are after references): Best of All Book Link<\/a><\/p>\n
- If attending a program or long travel, incorporate movement or breaks. Know your child\u2019s limits, breaks to listen to familiar music or in a separate room are ok to ensure they feel comfortable in a new setting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Use visual schedules, checklists, or timers.<\/strong>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/fargo\/files\/2022\/12\/Change-Photo.jpg\")
<\/a> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/fargo\/files\/2022\/12\/Todays-Schedule.jpg\")
<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n