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The holiday season is filled with joy and spending time with loved ones. But the festivities with their big gatherings, bright lights, and loud noises can be a lot for kids with learning and thinking differences to handle.

So, how can parents help kids prepare for the busy holiday season? Listen as Julian shares:

• Tips to help kids prepare for social interactions
• Ways to create calm spaces for when kids begin to feel overwhelmed
• Reasons why setting clear expectations can help kids feel more secure and prepared

Related resources

• 5 tips to get ready for the holidays
• 8 tips for helping kids with social skills challenges cope with the holiday season
• 8 difficult holiday situations that make some kids anxious

Timestamps

(00:38) Understanding holiday overwhelm for kids

(01:44) Ways to practice social scenarios

(03:28) Tips on how to teach kids to share

(05:17) How to create a calm space for kids

(07:16) Why it’s important to set clear expectations

To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit the Opportunity Gap episode page at Understood.

We love to hear from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give