After many years of positive and not-so-positive big group Thanksgiving Celebrations, here are a few things I’ve learned.
1. Begin sharing the details of what will happen at the Thanksgiving Celebration(s). This means you need to find out the details of the day. Share the schedule. Share how the schedule works. (How will we get the food -- You will sit down in the chair mom show’s you. Mom will sit with you and dad will get your food and bring it back to you. He will sit with you and mom will get her food and return to the table to sit with you.)
2. Start sharing the schedule several days in advance. Share it daily or several times a day. Share additional informations about expected and unexpected behavior. The child needs to understand what he’ s suppose to do and what he is not supposed to do.
3. Keep the visit short. There is such a better chance for success if the child isn’t over extended. A good visit is one of the goals.
4. Remind the child of the expectations by whispering in his ear while you are there. This will be more effective if he’s been adequately prepared.
5. Take pictures during the event. This will help you to make up a social story with visuals that could be used year after year.
Relax, it takes time to help your child endure novel situations where there are are so many things that are different from a typical day. Remember, change (holidays are anything but a typical day) are always non-preferred.
