Inclusive Holiday Activities

Inclusive Holiday Activities

The holiday season is a time for being together, family traditions, and showing people you care through thoughtful gift giving. Being part of a family with special needs can present unique challenges while trying to enjoy seasonal events yet we don’t want to let these challenges stop our children from participating in all the family fun! When we gather together as a family, large or small, we reinforce a sense of love and belonging for each member of the family. Including every member of the family fosters healthy emotional development and creates a sense of belonging. All too often, the child with a special needs feels left out; eating different foods, playing with different toys, or perhaps going to a different school than his/her siblings. For this reason, it is especially important that they feel included during this special time of year. Here are a few tips that can help your holiday season be inclusive and fun!

Related: Why Family Time Matters!

Plan ahead

Anticipate your child’s needs by setting aside toys or activities that you know help calm your child. Stop a meltdown before it happens by having these tools easily accessible. Adapt anything you can ahead of time and have it close by so the child with a special need does not feel embarrassed that they are taking time away from the family event.

Communicate with others

Call your family members ahead of time and explain some behaviors that are old or new to help prepare them for the event. Discuss strategies to help diffuse a tantrum or techniques to be more inclusive.

Do some research

There are countless websites, blogs, and social media groups that are here to support you. Take some time to research different ideas for including your child in activities. Whether it is finding the perfect product or remembering to include your child’s name in stories. Make every moment inclusive and your child will never forget these special holiday memories.

Have fun

Don’t try to be perfect! Your child responds to any stress and anxiety you are feeling, so remember to relax and enjoy your family, despite the inevitable hiccups throughout day.

From taking a family vacation together to inviting relatives over for a festive meal, the steps taken to accommodate everyone can be overwhelming! Fortunately, there are many resources, tips and products that can help to make your family’s seasonal celebrations fun for everyone.

Related: Holiday Help Things I Found to Be Helpful!

Toys

Here are a few great toys that bring the whole family together during the holidays!

Escape the Room – In this mystery-filled family game, participants are locked in a room and have to find clues and solve puzzles to escape. See if your family can work together to escape the room before time runs out!

Quick Cups – Test your speed and accuracy in this fast-paced cup stacking game. See who can match the order of the cups to the picture on the card and race to hit the bell first!

Ready, Set, Woof! – Feed the colorful puppies by using the Dog Bowl Randomizer to determine the color of the dog you need to feed. Be the first to place 5 bones on the yard and you win. Beware…your opponents are searching for and trying to feed the same puppies!

Related:100 + “Mom Approved” Gifts for Kids with Special Needs

The National Lekotek Center to encourage children of all abilities to experience the benefits of play.

FREE DOWNLOAD: PSN Holiday Tip Guide

FREE DOWNLOAD: PSN Holiday Gift Lists

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This post originally appeared on our November/December 2016 Magazine