Here Come the Holidays – Making the Holidays Comfortable for Your Family
The holiday season is a time for joy and togetherness, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially for children who may struggle with sensory input or changes to routine. At Leaps and Bounds Pediatric Therapy, we understand the challenges families face and are here to support you every step of the way. Here are some tips, paired with ways our services can help you navigate the season with ease.
Managing Sensory Input
- Visual Input: Bright lights and busy decorations can overstimulate children. Limit decorations in your home or create a quiet, low-stimulation space for your child to retreat to.
How we help: Our occupational therapists specialize in sensory integration techniques to help children manage overstimulation in various environments. - Auditory Input: Holiday gatherings can be noisy. Noise-canceling headphones or quiet spaces can provide relief.
How we help: We offer strategies tailored to your child’s sensory profile to help them stay calm and engaged in busy settings. - Tactile Input: Textures on decorations or clothing may feel uncomfortable for some children. Provide a space for safe tactile exploration.
How we help: Our therapy sessions include sensory play activities that teach children to explore new textures in a positive and controlled environment. - Oral Input: Unfamiliar foods can be overwhelming. Pack your child’s favorite snacks or prepare them for new flavors.
How we help: Speech-language therapy includes strategies to address feeding challenges, ensuring children feel confident at mealtime.
Maintaining Routine and Connection
- Stick to your usual daily and nightly routines when possible, or prepare your child in advance for changes.
How we help: Our therapists can create customized visual schedules or social stories to help your child understand and adjust to holiday plans. - Schedule breaks for physical activity during the day to regulate energy and emotions.
How we help: Our physical therapy sessions focus on fun, movement-based activities that you can incorporate into your holiday schedule. - Narrate the day to keep your child engaged. Share what’s happening and involve them in conversations.
How we help: We offer parent coaching to teach strategies for keeping children connected and calm during busy times.
Planning Ahead
- Talk about what’s coming next to ease anxiety. Bring familiar toys or comfort items to new settings.
How we help: Our team can provide tools like visual aids or calming strategies tailored to your child’s needs. - Involve your child in holiday prep. Simple tasks like decorating or stirring batter help them feel included.
How we help: Our therapy sessions encourage skill-building through fun, functional activities that build independence and confidence.
Take Care of Yourself
- The holidays don’t need to be perfect. Prioritize your family’s well-being, including your own. If you are stressed, your child will likely feel it.
How we help: Our team is here to support you with resources, guidance, and a listening ear when you need it.
At Leaps and Bounds, we’re committed to helping your family thrive during the holidays and beyond. If you have questions or would like personalized support, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Together, we can make this season special for your family!
Remember to have fun. This is a special time of year and these days will pass before we know it.
*As a special reminder, HEALTH INSURANCE is due for renewal or changes in the next couple of weeks. If you have changes in your insurance coverage or if you have questions in regards to how changes in your child’s services may affect you in the new year, please reach out to us so we can discuss any questions or concerns you have.
Leaps and Bounds Therapy is a pediatric occupational therapy, pediatric physical therapy, and speech therapy practice serving Chicago and the North suburbs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your child.