As adults, we have learned over time how to handle changes in routines.
We are told to keep up with these routines as much as possible, such as always going to sleep and waking up at the same time, having a daily chore schedule, or exercising 5 days a week.
Maintaining routines is essential for optimal mental health and productivity. Breaking routines often times leaves us feeling anxious and leads to procrastination.
The same is for all children, especially those with developmental delays or a history of behavioral challenges.
It has been a year of unknowns. Going from virtual school, to summer break, to in person school, back to virtual is a cycle that is never-ending and unpredictable.
As Christmas break approaches, many parents are fearful of what that could mean for the behavioral challenges that could arise from breaking their child’s typical schedule.
Some children may start exhibiting challenging behaviors at home during the hours they are supposed to be in school. Others may begin experiencing anxiety that leads to behaviors once school starts back up again in January.
Here are 3 strategies for making the transition for your child, and you, to and from school a little bit smoother:
Stick to Routines
It is a well-known fact that humans are the most productive when they stick to a routine. This is the same for children.
Have you ever noticed when your child goes to bed even 30 minutes later than normal, the next day will be a nightmare? Or if they don’t eat lunch around their normal time for one day, they are cranky and restless for the rest of the day?
We all require routines to function at our best. If your child goes to bed at 8:00pm every single night during school, they should also go to bed at 8:00 when they are on break. If they eat at 11:30am every day at school, they should also eat at 11:30 at home. If they have a specific routine in one setting, the best way to continue that routine is to continue that schedule in all settings.
Plan for Structured Activities
Not all parents are as lucky as their children to have a two-week Christmas break. We all continue to work, even when our kids are at home. It can be extremely difficult to keep them engaged in activities, and often times they are left to fend to entertain themselves during the hours of the day that they are typically at school.
For some, this break from any structured activities is welcomed. For others, especially those who have behavioral challenges, allowing so much free time can be overwhelming.
Try to plan for some activities that your kiddo can do during the time that they are home. It can be anything from coloring books, reading time, crafts, or even play activities such as building blocks or playing with play-doh.
It is important to continue stimulating our children. That way, when they return to school, the idea of having to sit down and engage in activities is less averse to your child. It will make the transition much smoother in the end.
Create a Social Story
If you are familiar with Applied Behavior Analysis, you have probably heard of a social story. If this is your first glimpse at ABA, a social story is a simple story written for specific situations that relate to your child’s individual needs.
Social stories are written to explain and familiarize children with certain situations that may be anxiety inducing or aversive.
Try to take some time to figure out what exactly you believe may be the most challenging for your child when transitioning to and from school, and write a short social story on how your child can appropriately handle those changes.
For example, write a story that outlines your child’s daily routine. It could start with something along the lines of, “Today is the start of Christmas break. It might be confusing to be out of school for the next two weeks, but I can always tell my mom when I am feeling confused or upset. During the time I am usually at school, I am going to have other fun things to do. I will read a book in the morning, and then have lunch at 12:00.”
Or, if you are already receiving behavioral services, mention a social story to your behavior analyst. They will be happy to come up with a story for your child that can be read to them and assist in their understanding of how to communicate their emotions effectively during these trying times.
It is hard on everyone having to go from a strict school year routine to an extended break, and then back again. It is especially hard for kiddos who can’t always find the words to explain their feelings.
Your ABA team is more than willing to assist you in these processes. If you are feeling anxious about the challenges that your child could face during Christmas break, and after, communicate your fears with your behavior analyst so you can work together on a plan that works for you and your child.