The holiday season often means doing things a little differently. A favorite activity may happen at a different time, a familiar routine may change, or a child may be asked to participate in something they have not experienced before. These changes can create opportunities for children to practice important skills such as flexibility, communication, and problem-solving.
Rather than trying to avoid every change, families can help children learn how to navigate changes with support.
Talk About Changes Ahead of Time
When you know something will be different, give your child an opportunity to learn about the change before it happens. Keep the information simple and focus on what your child needs to know.
For example, you might say, “We usually eat dinner at home, but tonight we are going to Grandma’s for dinner.”
For bigger changes, pictures, calendars, or a simple visual schedule can help your child understand what is coming next.
Practice Small Changes
The holidays do not have to be the first time your child practices flexibility. Look for small opportunities throughout the day to practice handling changes.
You might change the order of activities, try a different snack, take a different route, or introduce a new activity. When your child adjusts to the change, recognize their effort and reinforce their use of appropriate communication or coping skills.
These small moments can help build skills that are useful when larger changes occur.
Teach Children How to Respond When Plans Change
Even with preparation, plans do not always go as expected. A family member may arrive late, an activity may be canceled, or an event may look different than anticipated.
Help your child focus on what they can do when a change occurs. Depending on their age and abilities, this might include asking a question, requesting help, choosing between available options, taking a break, or identifying a new plan.
Instead of simply saying, “It’s okay,” try helping your child understand what is happening and what they can do next.
Give Choices Within the New Plan
When a routine has to change, offering choices can give children an appropriate way to participate in the decision-making process.
For example:
“Do you want to bring your book or your tablet?”
“Would you like to sit at the table or on the couch?”
“Do you want to say hi now or after you have had a few minutes?”
The plan may not be optional, but providing choices within that plan can help children practice independence and communication.
Focus on Participation, Not Perfection
Holiday activities may not go exactly as planned, and that is okay. The goal is not for children to handle every change independently right away. Instead, focus on helping them gradually build the skills they need to participate in new or changing situations.
A child asking for help, accepting a different activity, communicating that they need a break, or trying something new can all be meaningful steps toward greater flexibility.
Create Opportunities for Positive Holiday Experiences
The holidays provide many natural opportunities to practice flexibility while spending time together. Baking a new recipe, helping decorate, visiting a family member, attending a community event, or participating in a new family tradition can all become opportunities to practice communication, decision-making, and adapting to change.
With preparation, practice, and appropriate support, children can build confidence in navigating the changes that come with the holiday season.
Phoenix Behavioral Health Services is here to support families in building communication, independence, flexibility, and everyday life skills. If you need support navigating changes or building new skills at home, please reach out to us at 920-657-1780 or visit www.phoenixbhc.com/contact-us/. We’re here to help.