As we approach
the Holiday Season I think it is important to remember for some of our little
people (and frankly even for some of us big people) the holidays can be
challenging. Lots of lights, lots of sounds, lots of people, break in routine,
late nights, lack of sleep, over stimulation, lots of chaos, gifts,
excitement, rich foods, …..need I say more……I am writing this post in hope for
all of you to take a pause to think to plan to prepare for the next 6 weeks
with you family. It is important for you
to take charge of your lives, to not allow outside influences to decay the joy
of the season.
I
have had families ruined because they have not prepared, pre-adopt placements
disrupt, families fall apart, abuse allegation surface, and worse. I don’t want that to happen to any of
you. So preparation is the key. I must
confess, I had planned to write the earlier, but my own personal planning got
in the way. J
However, it is never too late. Think
about your kids, your family, what are your needs. It is okay to have a simple holiday with just
your family, if that is what your kids need.
It is okay to invite people to your house if that is what is best. It is okay for your kids to bring their IPad
and head phones if they need to tune out the noise. Do what you need to survive.
My
family has a tradition of getting up for Black Friday, and I am always
surprised by how many families I see with young children out in the chaos. To be honest I fear for the safety of the
kids. I fear for those over-stimulated, over
tired parents and kids.
This
quarter in the Bethany Christian Services Lifelines Magazine there is a great
article on “5
Tips to Enjoying the Holidays & Avoid a Sensory Overload” It has some ideas to really consider when
preparing for the season approaching.
1.
Know
your child’s sensory profile
2.
Adjust
your expectations
3.
Maintain
a routine as much as possible
4.
Plan
for break time
5.
Assess
how important the activity is for your child.
This booklet is amazing and worth reading…have you ever
wondered what your foster and/or adopted children might be thinking about around
the holidays. This book is written by
foster alumni and published by Foster Club.
It has great ideas for you to prepare, but also to share with your kids. Take a look: http://nc.casaforchildren.org/files/public/community/volunteers/HelpYouthInFC-Holidays.pdf
There
are a ton of other resources out there if you search…but the following are some
I found…but I am sure there are others:
·
Holidays with an Adopted Child by
Leslie Culpeper
·
Foster Care Training-Holiday Stress
Community Impact Program
Wishing you all a very Happy
Thanksgiving and a wonderful season of joy and peace!
Paulette Caswell, LICSW
Branch Director, Bethany Christian
Services of Washington
Serving children and families throughout the Pacific Northwest
Serving children and families throughout the Pacific Northwest
1501 N. 200th
St. Ste. 103 Shoreline, WA 98133
O – (206) 367-4604 F – (206) 367-1860 Direct (616) 254-7719
O – (206) 367-4604 F – (206) 367-1860 Direct (616) 254-7719
