The holiday season is filled with excitement, but for kids, it can also bring overstimulation. The extra noise, activity, and changes in routine can easily become overwhelming. Here are our top 5 OT tips for navigating the holidays.
1. Keep Some Routine
Total routine abandonment can dysregulate even the most flexible kids. Try to keep sleep and mealtimes consistent, even if everything else shifts.
2. Build in Downtime
After big events, children need time to decompress. Quiet, low-stimulation activities help the nervous system recover. This isn’t laziness—it’s regulation.
3. Prepare for Transitions
Give children advance warning before moving from one activity to the next. “In five minutes we’re going to Grandma’s” is much kinder to the nervous system than an abrupt change.
4. Watch for Sensory Overload
Crowded spaces, loud music, unfamiliar smells and textures—the holidays are a sensory marathon. Know your child’s triggers and have a plan for when they need a break.
5. Prioritise Connection
Amid the busyness, don’t forget that connection is the most regulating thing you can offer a child. A few moments of genuine presence can make the whole day feel safer.
Our Ready for Yoga Digital Edition is perfect for the holidays — short, playful movement activities that help children regulate when the excitement gets too big.