Ah, the holidays! Nothing says “joy to the world” like packing up your special needs toddler, loading up an arsenal of snacks, AAC devices, and sensory tools, and making the trek to spend time with your extended family. If you’re already having flashbacks to last year’s “Why won’t he eat turkey?” interrogation, take a deep breath. We’re here to help you navigate the holiday season with humor, resilience, and a few clever tricks up your sleeve (no turkey bribery required).
1. The Picky Eating Olympics: Let the Judging Begin!
As soon as you sit down to dinner, it’s game on! Here comes Aunt Marge with a plate of “just a little taste” of stuffing and mashed potatoes, saying, “How could they not like any of this? Just have them try it!” Enter the picky-eating referee: YOU. You know your toddler’s preferences like the back of your hand, so don’t let anyone else dictate what goes on their plate. Just smile, nod, and pass the rolls.
Pro Tip: Bring some fail-safe snacks that you know your child loves. When someone inevitably asks, “But how do they survive on just [insert food here]?” just say, “They’re on a very specialized diet. It’s called the ‘survival’ plan.”
2. The AAC Device Detective Squad
If your child uses an AAC device, brace yourself for the endless stream of “Oh, what’s that?” and “Can they even understand us?” comments. Some family members may feel compelled to poke and prod the screen, press random buttons, or try to talk into it as if it’s an intercom. Keep your cool, and educate them with a quick line like, “This helps them communicate so we can all have a great time together. Just like your cell phone, except more important and much less likely to get dropped in the toilet.”
Pro Tip: Have a few responses in your back pocket for when someone asks, “So, when will they talk normally?” A cheerful “This is normal for them!” works wonders. Or go with a playful, “Oh, they’ll just type out your nickname on here for everyone to see!”
3. The “In My Day…” Lecture: Now with 100% More Unsolicited Advice!
Ah, yes. No holiday gathering is complete without the classic, “In my day, we would’ve just disciplined that tantrum right out of them!” speech. Let’s hear it for the golden oldie, “If they’re gonna cry, we’ll give them something to cry about.” Smile, take a deep breath, and repeat to yourself: These people *might* be why my spouse and I are in therapy….
Pro Tip: You can respond with, “We’re trying something new this year—it’s called respecting our child’s emotions.” If you’re feeling extra saucy, try a wry, “You know, that just might work… but we’re fresh out of leather belts.” Then laugh it off and get back to cuddling your kid.
4. Keeping It Together for a Holidaaaaay!
The reality is, holiday gatherings can be overwhelming for anyone, let alone a toddler who’s navigating their way through sensory overload and new environments. It’s okay to set boundaries with your relatives, even if Uncle Steve rolls his eyes when you pull out the noise-canceling headphones. Remember, you are the expert on your child, and it’s perfectly fine to take breaks, find a quiet room, or step outside when things get overwhelming.
Pro Tip: Prep a “quiet kit” for those moments when your child needs a little break. Pack some sensory toys, noise-canceling headphones, and a small blanket. If Aunt Peggy offers up her loud rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock,” take it as your cue to slide away for some peace.
5. Getting Through the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (with Minimal Meltdowns)
Between the constant comments and keeping up with your toddler’s needs, the holidays can feel like running a marathon without any water stations. But guess what? You will make it through, and your special needs child will too. Each time you advocate for your child, you’re showing them they have a safe, supportive champion right by their side. And hey, isn’t that what the season is all about?
Post-Holiday Debrief at Unlimited Pediatric Therapy
Once you’re safely back from the land of nosy questions, casserole critiques, and the annual “back in my day” speeches, we’ll be here at Unlimited Pediatric Therapy, ready to tag back in. Think of us as the pit stop after the holiday race. Together, we’ll help your little one recalibrate (and maybe help you recover from Uncle Steve’s five-hour monologue on child-rearing).
Whether your kiddo needs a little sensory reset or you just need someone who truly gets why you hid in the pantry with a candy cane, we’ve got your back. We’ll tackle the post-holiday “re-entry” as a team—no judging, just a lot of laughing and deep breaths.
You survived the holiday gauntlet, and now it’s time for some well-deserved TLC. So here’s to you, holiday warrior. And remember: January’s almost here, and so are we.
