Strategically Planning Winter Break

The Holiday Break…

You can see it now – Idyllic images of snuggling by the fire, kids playing quietly with their new and exciting toys, while you and your spouse sip hot cocoa on the cozy couch. If you’re lucky, that vision will last a few hours before it’s replaced by the need to go into survival mode – then you find yourself just trying to get through the break without losing your mind. Can you relate?

While you can’t prepare for every contingency, you can certainly start with a plan that shoves you in the right direction. As kids and teachers get ready for the break from school, you’d be wise to take this time to map out a game plan of your own.

Until life returns to its normal routine of predictable, consistent schedules, there are some things you can do to help sustain the modicum of tranquility you’ve become accustomed to:

• Make a hike to the park down the street a daily routine. Swings, slides and monkey bars can offer great opportunities for both sensory input and social interaction.
• Enjoy game time… not video games. Break out games like Candyland, Uno or Shutes & Ladders… or have indoor/outdoor fun with a game of hide and seek or Scavenger Hunt.
• Visit the local library where your child can get their very own library card through a simple application process. Most libraries have “story times” where you can find great books read by exaggerated readers who have a knack for gaining the attention of the most distracted listener.
• Take the whole family to see a newly released movie. Attend the 1:30-3:30 PM matinee for the least attended showings at the best prices. If you live in an area where there’s an Autism Society, check out their calendar of events to see if a “sensory friendly” movie showing is headed your way.
• Explore a local zoo or museum. Many attractions experience a surge of visitors during winter break, so don’t expect to be the only ones there. However, special programs and discounts on admission at off-peak hours tend to be a lot more common during this time of year.
• From toddlers to teens, kids can get tons out of a yummy cooking activity. With the support of directions in pictures or words, kids can help measure, mix or even just taste. Activities can be easily added to keep little kids engaged while you’re handling the more complicated tasks.
• Map out a family drive to check out holiday lights. Local newspapers and magazines often list the best displays in town. Be sure to chart your course in advance to reduce everyone’s stress level. And don’t forget to bring some snacks along as late night munchies.
• If your child enjoys holiday movies, break out the DVDs (or even VHSs) and have the whole family join them on the couch and have some shared family time.
• Especially for the older child or young adult, volunteering is a great way to spend some quality time together and make great community connections. Nursing homes, soup kitchens and donation drop-off centers can help kids find joy in helping others.

Whether you’re in need of a diversion from the challenges of being off the normal schedule, or you’re looking for a boredom buster to redirect self-stimulatory behavior, set your chart on a course for adventure of new experiences. In the end, you may get so much more than you bargained for!