Navigating the Holidays with Intense and Sensitive Kids

As the holidays approach, many families experience a swirl of excitement, chaos, and sometimes overwhelm. On the latest episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the realities of parenting and homeschooling neurodivergent kids during this season—and share practical strategies to help everyone thrive (not just survive).

Here are 3 key takeaways for parents and educators supporting neurodiverse learners over the holidays:

• Proactive Planning is Essential: From bringing favorite snacks and engaging activities to prepping for early exits from gatherings, thinking ahead can make all the difference for kids who struggle with disrupted schedules and sensory overload.
• Let Go of Others' Expectations: Remember that it's okay if our holiday experience looks different than others'. Prioritizing your child's needs over others' opinions is a powerful way to support both your child and your own well-being.
• Teamwork Makes the Season Brighter: Getting on the same page with your spouse, older siblings, and even relatives about plans, support, and backup strategies can help everyone feel included and respected during festivities.

If you need more resources, ideas, or just reassurance that you're not alone on this journey, check out the links below for valuable tips, printable activities, and additional support!

Let's embrace the season—intensity and all—and build meaningful, positive memories together.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode

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• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Holiday Light Scavenger Hunt: A Sensory-Friendly Family Tradition for Homeschoolers
• A Calm, Fun Holiday Activity for Neurodivergent Kids: Free Christmas Charades Printable
• Holiday Homeschooling Made Easier: Santa & Reindeer Emotions Spinner Free Printable
• Managing the Holidays with Sensory Kids with Sarah Collins
• Gratitude For The Holidays: Why It Is So Helpful For Neurodiverse Kids
• Intense Children and The Holidays: A Parent's Guide
• RLL 33: The Holidays and Your Differently-Wired Child
• Autism and the Holidays | Julie's School Performance Story
• The Holidays and Your Intense Child
• Christmas Learning Through Play: Free Scattergories Game for Kids
• Family Favorite Christmas Books
• Hands-On Christmas Fun: Free Chatterbox Printable for Homeschoolers
• Fun and Easy Christmas Tic Tac Toe Printable for Your Homeschool
• Christmas Slime Science Activity
• Easy Little Girl Christmas Hairstyles