Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time for connection, family, and tradition! But for many children, it can also bring big changes in routine, unfamiliar foods, and sensory overload. As you prepare for the holiday season, we have prepared some tips to help set you and them up for success while still enjoying the celebration together.
1. Pack “Safe” Foods
Thanksgiving tables are full of new smells, textures, and tastes. This can be exciting for some kids and stressful for others. One great way to ease the pressure is to bring along a few of your child’s favorite “safe” foods.
Bonus Tip: Involve your child in choosing and packing these foods! When they have a hand in deciding what goes on their plate, it helps build confidence and a sense of control.
2. Bring Calming or Preferred Activities
Sitting at the table during meals can be hard for a lot of kids. Consider bringing along a few quiet, preferred activities your child can use during the meal or when they need a break. Some ideas: coloring supplies, books, small fidgets, headphones for calming music, or small lego sets.
3. Prepare Your Kiddo for What to Expect
Preparation is key! Before the big day, take time to talk about what Thanksgiving might look like. You can:
- Create a simple social story about the day (who will be there, what foods might be served, and what your child can do if they feel overwhelmed). Ask your therapist if you’d like help creating this!
- Look at photos of family members they’ll see or spaces they’ll visit.
- Practice greetings or mealtime routines at home.
Each one of us experiences the holidays a little differently. And that’s okay! We hope these ideas help both you and your kiddo to feel more prepared, supported, and confident walking into this busy season. We are passionate about supporting children and families that may need additional support during the holidays and the excitement that they entail! Contact us today to set up an evaluation and begin to build your village of support!
