Support Tips for Christmas at Home

• Structure – keep the schedule the same as much as you can even though it is really hard with the build up to Christmas day.
• Preparation – Prepare them in advance of the different sounds and noises there will be, the food and the smells and if your child struggles with these then offer them a quieter space.
• Opportunities – if they do feel anxious let them know they can have some time out and that is ok. Show them where that space will be.
• Countdown – use a calendar to let them know when they might see grandparents or family/friends, when they might be going shopping so that they are aware of the different things going on.
• Get them involved with putting up decorations, preparing food however be prepared if they do not want to do any of that and again reassure them that is alright.
• Visitors – some children may need to know in advance who is visiting especially people they haven’t met before. Share pictures to prepare them in advance.
• Prepare the children that Christmas will be over so when decorations come down they aren’t shocked and they know it is only short term.

We are not back till later in January next term so this will be a great way to get them back into a good structure and routine for when they get back to school on 6^th January 2025.

• After New Year’s get back into the early bedtime routine so that the children are well rested for when they come back to school. For example – dinner, time together, bath, story and bed.
• Have some structure on the days at the beginning of January so they are used to the routine again.
• Remind them about school expectations for when they come back and to be ready, respectful and safe in school.

By doing all of this we can try and support some of the anxieties the children have and support them with it.

We hope this will be helpful in some way and do let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Sheena Hindocha (SENDCo)