Getting Back into the Swing of Things After the Holidays

After enjoying a nice, long break with family and friends, getting back to our regular routines can be a bit tricky. And it's not just us – for those with special needs, like kids with autism, going back to the usual routine can be particularly tough. Any changes, even if it’s going back to what we know, can present a challenge.

But fear not! Here are some helpful tips to make the return to normal life a little smoother for everyone:

Make Home Time Less Exciting: Holidays often mean treats, new toys, and extra privileges. While it's great to have fun, it can make going back to the regular routine a bit tough. Try decreasing the fun stuff gradually. Maybe limit time with favorite items, stay home more instead of going to exciting places, or go back to the usual rules like "no dessert on weeknights." Keeping things a bit normal even during the break helps. As much as possible, try to keep the rules the same as usual, even during holiday times. Children may find it difficult to understand why something is allowed sometimes, but not other times.

Ease into Bed and Wake-Up Times: Over the holidays, it's easy to stay up late or sleep in. But when it's time to go back to the usual schedule, it can be a bit of a shock. To make the transition easier, try adjusting bed and wake-up times gradually. Start going to bed a little earlier each night, maybe by midnight, then 11 p.m., and finally, 10 p.m. the night before you're back to the regular routine. This way, it's not a sudden change, and everyone can adjust more comfortably. You can do the same for wake-up or nap times.

Bring Back Regular Activities: We all love holiday fun, but it can be hard to leave it behind. To make it easier, start reintroducing normal activities a few days before the break ends. Whether it's reading, writing, therapy, or work projects, spend a bit of time on these activities every day. It helps ease the transition back to the usual routine. You could even keep up with these tasks a little bit every day during the break.

Show, Don't Just Tell: For kids, especially those with autism, seeing things visually can make more sense. Instead of just talking about upcoming events, show them on a calendar with pictures. Put visual reminders of the next fun thing on the calendar to give everyone something to look forward to. You can even use a visual schedule or calendar throughout the year to help with changes and events.

Take Time to Relax: While the holidays are undoubtedly fun, they can also provide a ton of stress for all members of your family. Toward the end of your holiday break, try to make some time to just decompress together. Spend time as a family in a stress-free environment. Watch a favorite movie, or do a simple craft together. Doing as much as possible to remove stress from the situation will go a long way in getting everyone prepared to go back to the regular routine.

So, there you have it – a few simple tips to make the return to normal life after the holidays a bit easier for everyone, especially those with special needs. Above all, remember to be patient. Transitions between normal and abnormal routines are tough on everyone, but with a plan in place, you can help to ensure an easier, happier return to routine.