Are you surviving the month of December? When Andy Williams penned "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year", he had obviously never met a child affected by attachment and trauma. See our parody of the song below! Only a few more days to go...You've got this!
Holiday Family Fun...It is Possible!
The idea of enjoyable family time while making memories seems almost impossible during the holidays. Our families tend to struggle greatly during this time of year. It's okay to think outside of the box when it comes to traditions and holiday fun.
Keep expectations in check. We all want that perfect family photo or dinner without a major meltdown, but our reality is those times are few and far between. Remember your unique family and be patient with the dynamics. Grieve the losses and embrace the challenges.
Stay attuned to your child's needs. We do this regularly but with the hustle and bustle of the season it's easy to be distracted and short tempered. A neuro-typical person can become anxious during the holidays, just imagine what your trauma kiddo is feeling. If your child is obviously dysregulated, put certain plans on hold. Spend extra time connecting with your son or daughter. Sometimes the best memories have to be spontaneous; so as to not give our children a chance to stress or let fear take over. Or it needs to be planned far in advance and discussed to relieve a fear response.
Keep the holidays simple.
Too many activities, gifts, noise, lights and/or decorations can be overwhelming. Enjoy simplicity.
Take care of yourself! Get plenty of rest. Exercise. Eat right. Find respite. And breathe....
"It's the Most Challenging Time of the Year"
(set to the tune by Andy Williams)
It's the most challenging time of the year
With the children all yelling
And everyone melting due to their fear
It's the most challenging time of the year
It's the unhap-happiest season of all
With those judgemental greetings and IEP meetings
When no friends come to call
It's the unhap-happiest season of all
There'll be no parties for hosting
or pictures for posting
And quarelling out in the snow
There will be an increase of sensories
And behaviors that tell of memories
of Christmases long, long ago
It's the most challenging time of the year
We'll be carefully tiptoeing
So hearts won't be showing
Their thoughts are all filled with fear
It's the most challenging time of the year...
We at Adoptive Families Coalition wish you more joyful celebrating than overwhelming challenges. Sending much love and understanding this holiday season!
