Independence Day Celebrations

With today being Independence Day, there are lots of opportunities to celebrate, let’s consider positive ways to accomplish that.  The Fourth of July is one day of many times during the summer that a family can join in fun celebrations.  (At least they are fun for some.)  Those, parenting children with learning differences, know that these times aren’t always a lot of fun for some family members.  What are we to do?  Have a plan.

First, determine what celebrations your family will attend.  Some that must be considered are family reunion, vacation, Memorial Day picnic, Fourth of July fireworks, family birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas.  In the days and weeks before hand, evaluate how to make each successful.

  Let me give an example of a plan for a family birthday party for grandma.  Once the day is known, mark it on the calendar showing your child.  Review the calendar daily counting down the days until the party.  Share the guest list and any other information you have.  You could say, ‘’’we are going to grandma’s birthday party on Sunday June 30.  We will go to church and then go to Aunt Sally’s house for lunch.  You will sit in the kitchen with your sister and your cousins.  We will have spaghetti and meatballs.  After dinner, we will go in the living room and give grandma a birthday present.  Other people will also give her birthday presents.  After that we will eat cake.  When you’ve eaten you cake you may play with your cousins or get a toy out of your back pack that we’ll take and you may play with the toy if you choose.”

Planning doesn’t ensure that things will go smoothly.  But it does give a greater likelihood that the time will be successful.