How to Celebrate the Holidays with Your Special Needs Child

All holidays are an occasion to celebrate. From Easter and the Fourth of July to the bigger holiday seasons of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, the holidays offer families a great opportunity to put aside the worries of their everyday life and spend some quality time together as a family. That being said, the holidays can be rough on children with developmental disabilities. The sights and sounds of the holidays, as well as the holiday get-togethers can overwhelm your child with special needs to the point it makes celebrating them difficult and not-so-much-fun. Plus, if you have the judgment of others thrown in who don't understand, this can make the holidays especially challenging.

Inland Respite offers in-home respite care and companion care for parents of children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout Southern California. Our mission is to give you the break you need from the constant care you offer on a daily basis to recharge. All of our compassionate companion caregivers are experienced and screened and ready to lend a helping hand. Below, we'll go over some helpful tips on how to celebrate the holidays with your special needs child. Contact us to get started today!

HOW TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD

Plan Ahead

With the holidays, there comes a bustle of activities, from family gatherings to shopping, holiday parties at your house, religious ceremonies, and more. Children with developmental disabilities can become easily overwhelmed and overstimulated from all of the activity. However, by planning ahead and preparing your child for what lies ahead, you'll have a better chance of making it through all of the hubbub. Our in-care companion caregivers recommend that you tell your child ahead of time what is coming, and allow for a quick exit if need be when you are at parties, parades, and more.

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Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

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