The festive season is a beautiful time of excitement, family, and celebration — but it can also be overwhelming for children who thrive on structure, predictability, and routine.

With school on break and the usual patterns out the window, it’s completely normal to notice big feelings, extra energy, or changes in behaviour.

Here’s how you can support calmer days, smoother transitions, and a more connected holiday season.

1. Keep a Soft Structure (not a strict schedule)

Kids don’t need a minute-by-minute plan during the holidays — but a gentle rhythm helps their nervous system relax.

You might try:

Morning routines that stay mostly the same
Predictable mealtimes
A visual plan for the day (simple is best!)
“Anchor points” like a daily walk, quiet time, or play outside

Consistency creates safety — even when everything else feels festive and busy.

2. Expect Dysregulation (and don’t blame yourself)

Changes in routine create emotional wobbliness — especially for kids with ADHD. Late nights, different environments, extra noise and new people can all stack up.

If you notice more:

Meltdowns
Neediness
Hyperactivity
Difficulty winding down

…it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

It means their nervous system is speaking.

Your calm presence is the regulation they borrow.

3. Create Calm Moments in the Chaos

Holidays can be loud and stimulating, so build in pockets of quiet:

Reading time on the couch
Sensory play or drawing
A cool, dim space to reset
Screen time used intentionally as a circuit-breaker
Deep pressure hugs or weighted blankets

Think of these as “pressure valves” — they release the tension before it turns into overwhelm.

4. Prepare Them for What’s Coming

Many kids need a heads-up before a change happens.

Try using:

“First this, then that” language
Visuals for parties, outings, or family events
A quick run-through in the car before you go inside

Predictability prevents overwhelm.

5. Movement Is Medicine

ADHD brains regulate through movement. Burnt-off energy equals calmer emotions.

Easy holiday wins:

Beach run
Scooters or bikes
Backyard cricket
Trampoline time
Swimming (incredible for regulating emotions)

Daily movement = fewer meltdowns and smoother evenings.

6. Let Go of the “Perfect Christmas”

Kids don’t need a picture-perfect holiday — they need connection and understanding.

It’s okay if:

They’re overwhelmed at family events
You leave early
They eat simple foods
They need headphones or breaks
You say “no” to things that stretch them too far

Protecting their wellbeing is the most loving thing you can do.

7. Fill Your Cup Too

You can't regulate a child if you're not regulated yourself.
Be kind to yourself. Take breaks where you can.

Lower the bar where needed. This season doesn’t need to be perfect — it just needs to be safe, calm, and connected.

You’re Doing an Amazing Job!

The Christmas holidays are a big shift for kids, but with steady routines, gentle expectations, and lots of compassion (for them and for yourself), you’re giving them everything they need to feel grounded