As a parent or carer, you might be wondering how best to handle the changes and challenges to make this festive period enjoyable for your children. We’ve pulled together advice and tips from parents and charities to help you prepare for the holidays, navigate any challenges and create a smooth transition back to school in the New Year!
Countdown to Christmas
Children with SEND often benefit from visual supports to introduce them to new ideas and experiences. Luckily, Christmas comes with its own visual countdown aid – the advent calendar! Count down the days together and explain to them what will happen in the run-up to Christmas.
You can also use social stories or visual schedules to help them understand the sequence of events. For example, create a visual timetable that includes activities like decorating the tree, visiting family or attending a Christmas event. This can help reduce anxiety by making the holiday season more predictable.
Preparing for presents
Some children can be overwhelmed by receiving lots of surprise gifts. To make this experience more enjoyable, consider the following tips:
- Gradual Introduction: Introduce new toys or gifts gradually rather than all at once.
- Familiar Items: Include some familiar items that you know your child loves.
- Preparation: Talk to your child about the gifts they might receive and let them know it's okay to feel excited or unsure.
Managing anxiety
To help manage your child's anxiety, try to keep routines as consistent as possible and use visual schedules to outline daily activities. Create a calm and quiet space where they can retreat if things get too much. Engage in familiar and comforting activities and introduce new experiences gradually. Reassure your child that it's okay to feel anxious and that you're there to support them.
Fun and games
Try sensory-friendly activities such as tactile play with kinetic sand or water beads, and simple crafts like decorating cookies or making holiday cards. These activities can be both enjoyable and calming.
Playing games can be challenging for children, as some may become overly focused on rules while others might struggle with losing.
Parents of children with SEND have recommended matching or number-based games, like variations of bingo and dominoes, or Rummikub. Other family favourites include Guess Who, chess and draughts.
Inclusive activities for the holidays
Kent’s Local Offer Directory features a range of activities which can be filtered by age, location, need type and accessibility.
Kent Family Hubs are running activities for children, as well as access to support for families. Check the website for activities in Family Hubs or follow your local Family Hub on Facebook to keep up with their latest events and activities.
Explore Kent is your guide to enjoying the outdoors this Christmas, from Christmas markets to festive light trails and accessible walks in the countryside. The Junior Walking Challenge Awards certificates for any child that completes trails of 5km, 7.5km or 10km whether they are walking or wheeling. The awards can be adapted for children and young people with additional needs.
Kent Country Parks have lots of festive fun planned, from wreath making and Christmas trails to winter trails and warming up round the campfire. You can also meet Father Christmas in his grotto at Shorne Woods Country Park!
Kent Country Parks prioritise accessibility and have created accessibility guides for these parks:
If you need more information you can email kentcountryparks@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 413500.
Going back to school
As the Christmas holidays come to an end, it can be helpful to ease your child back into their school routine gently. Start by reintroducing their regular bedtime and morning routines a few days before school starts. Use visual schedules to help them understand the upcoming changes. Talk positively about school, reminding them of the things they enjoy, like seeing friends or favourite activities.
Reassure them it's normal to feel a bit anxious and that you're there to support them. By gradually adjusting routines and maintaining a positive outlook, you can help your child feel more comfortable and confident about returning to school.
If you are concerned about signs of stress or anxiety in your child you can find mental health resources on the Kent and Medway Wellbeing Hub.
We hope these tips help you to enjoy the festive season with your family. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
