Winter break is one of the most anticipated times of the year for children, as it allows them to unwind a bit. However, many parents face the challenge of creating and maintaining their child’s routine in this relaxed atmosphere. For families with special needs children, a pause from this school routine can be unsettling for them. Therefore, it’s important to create a balanced schedule that integrates learning, rest, and extracurricular activities.

This blog post explores strategies for winter break planning and keeping your child going in this unstructured holiday season while they enjoy the break. 

Structuring the Winter Break for Your Child

The winter break is fun and can be relaxing, and that makes it challenging to maintain a routine. This can be chaotic for you and your special needs child. Creating a balanced schedule in the winter break can ensure stability and comfort for your special needs child. 

Why create a schedule? At school, your child is used to a set of routines - studying at a certain time and playing at a scheduled time. At home and during the holidays, the child may deviate from this routine, which could be disturbing to his mental and physical health. Therefore, creating a similar schedule at home keeps them in check at all times. 

It's essential to communicate with your child, explaining the benefits of a structured day and how it can help them stay engaged and happy to return to school. More importantly, set clear expectations about the routine to reduce pushback.

How to Create a Balanced Schedule of Rest and Activity

1. Structure the Day

A well-structured day creates a sense of predictability, which is good for special needs children. Mixing fun activities with downtime is crucial to keep the child engaged and relaxed at scheduled times. This is one of the most effective ways to keep a routine for your child.

Plan meal times, physical activities, and rest times. Use visuals, pictures, colors, and symbols to designate a time for breakfast, creative pursuits, academics, physical exercises, and bedtime. Place the schedule in an accessible location and review it with your child every morning.   

In addition, give your child the opportunity to play and explore other interests. They should have time to relax between periods. Balance is key to ensuring stability.

Downtime is also essential. Create quiet times for your child to rest and read after a physical activity. This helps them to recharge and manage their emotions more effectively. 

2. Incorporate Learning Opportunities

Yes! Winter break is a time to unwind from school activities, so why do any educational activity? As mentioned, a break from this school routine could affect your child. Creating a schedule that mimics school routines will keep them engaged academically. It’d seem as though they are living on extended school breaks.  

Incorporate academic activities, such as reading, writing, and educational puzzles into their daily schedules. Create board games like word puzzles to improve their language skills. You could engage them in projects that encourage the development of motor skills.

Set achievable goals with your child during the break, such as finishing a book or completing a baking project, to give them a sense of accomplishment.

3. Engage in Physical Activity

Physical activity is vital for a child's development, even when the outdoors is cold. Take advantage of the weather by going for walks. When outdoors isn't an option, you could do yoga and organize dance parties. You could also work with your child's therapist to incorporate therapeutic exercises, such as strength-building. These will not only support your child's development but also boost their mood.

4. Limit Screen Time

We have more technological gadgets lying around us than they were 10 years ago. Children might be tempted to spend more time on the screen than with family or friends physically. Therefore, limit screen time by establishing guidelines for when and how much screen time is permitted every day. In addition, encourage family bonding time to set their mind off gadgets. 

5. Encourage Healthy Eating

Your child may crave treats, sugar, and drinks during the holiday, but they aren't healthy. Encourage balanced meals throughout the day at scheduled times. The diet should include fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Proper nutrition will help maintain your child's energy levels and support their overall development. 

6. Set Bedtime and Wake-Up Schedules

Routines are incomplete without bedtime and wake-up schedules. For special needs children, adequate sleep is crucial for their health and well-being. Establish bedtime routines like taking a warm bath before sleeping. Sleeping and waking up at a particular time helps maintain consistency, which brings stability and relaxation.

Final Take

The winter break serves as an escape from school activities, but it also offers your child an opportunity to grow and explore other interests. A maintained routine supports your child's development and keeps them engaged. Therefore, work with them to develop a tailored and convenient timetable for all. Set a daily schedule, add learning opportunities, encourage physical activities, limit screen time, advocate for healthy eating, and set a bedtime routine. These strategies will keep your child in check and prepared for school after the break.

Contact us for safe bedding solutions for your special needs child. Every child deserves to be happy and safe, and we will help provide them with the comfort they deserve.