Helping kids navigate the holiday season

The holiday season is filled with joy and spending time with loved ones. But the festivities with their big gatherings, bright lights, and loud noises can be a lot for kids with learning and thinking differences to handle.

So, how can parents help kids prepare for the busy holiday season? Listen as Julian shares:

• Tips to help kids prepare for social interactions
• Ways to create calm spaces for when kids begin to feel overwhelmed
• Reasons why setting clear expectations can help kids feel more secure and prepared

Related resources

• 5 tips to get ready for the holidays
• 8 tips for helping kids with social skills challenges cope with the holiday season
• 8 difficult holiday situations that make some kids anxious

Timestamps

(00:38) Understanding holiday overwhelm for kids

(01:44) Ways to practice social scenarios

(03:28) Tips on how to teach kids to share

(05:17) How to create a calm space for kids

(07:16) Why it’s important to set clear expectations

To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit the Opportunity Gap episode page at Understood.

We love to hear from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give