Navigating the summer holidays: Tips for avoiding meltdowns with SEN children

Ensuring a joyful, well-planned, and calm vacation for both parents and kids

The summer holidays can be a double-edged sword for parents with children who have special educational needs (SEN). The lack of structure, unfamiliar environments, and changes in routine can lead to stress and meltdowns. In the latest episode of Raising Confident Kids with SEN, I'm exploring practical and insightful tips to help manage these challenges.

Planning with comfort in mind

When planning a holiday for children, it’s important to prioritise their comfort. Overloading them with too many new items and experiences at once can be overwhelming. I talk about the usefulness of packing familiar toiletries and favourite cuddly toys to help children feel more at home, even when away. Much like my daughters, some children need predictability, which can be reinforced with visual schedules detailing daily activities. This predictability helps children know what to expect and reduces anxiety.

The importance of routine for children

Maintaining aspects of a child’s regular routine helps in providing a sense of security. Activities such as reading, handwriting practice, or mental maths can offer a soothing familiarity. Sarah emphasises replicating key anchor points in the daily routine - like breakfast times or favourite games - to help children feel grounded. Bedtime routines are particularly crucial; replicating these from home can significantly aid in helping children fall asleep. My youngest daughter, for example, benefits from a consistent bedtime ritual, which helps her transition to sleep smoothly even while on holiday.

Balanced nutrition and physical activity

Ensuring that children eat well and stay active during the holiday period is crucial. For children with restrictive eating habits, you’ll need to make sure they have enough to eat by bringing nutritious snacks from home. Having these familiar, nutritive options can maintain their energy and regulation. Engaging in physical activities also supports well-being. Sarah discusses the necessity of incorporating calm, quiet, and repetitive craft activities alongside physical exertions, emphasising sleep and decompression time for overall balance.

Pre-planning decompression and regulation tools

Pre-planning is essential in identifying decompression and regulation tools and activities that can help children navigate the holiday period smoothly. I make sure to give decompression time with quiet activities to one of my daughters and ensure sufficient sleep and calm time for the other. Tools like role-playing, sharing books, and watching TV shows about going on holiday can also help prepare children for what’s to come, making the experience less daunting.

Handling challenging behaviours

The transition from a structured school environment to the unstructured nature of holidays can trigger challenging behaviours like hitting or biting. In this episode, Laura, a mum from Surrey, shared her own experiences with her 4-year-old son’s challenging behaviour during school holidays. If you're experiencing similar challenges, I recommend you re-establish clarity in communication and provide limited choices to help children navigate the new environment. This method can provide them with a sense of control and reduce anxiety triggers. Additionally, quiet decompression times help in managing stress and preventing meltdowns.

Engaging activities and choices

Offering children some choices during activities can give them a sense of autonomy and contribute to a calmer vacation experience. Balance structured activities with time for free play and exploration. As mentioned earlier, maintaining consistent routines while also letting children have control over minor decisions fosters confidence and security. Engaging in simple, repetitive craft activities or reading sessions can be therapeutic and calming.

Keep calm and enjoy

Planning, maintaining routines, and creating a sense of predictability are key to avoiding summer holiday meltdowns for children with SEN. By focusing on their comfort, nutrition, balanced activities, and clear communication, parents can ensure an enjoyable and well-managed holiday for everyone. As always, Raising Confident Kids with SEN is here to provide you with practical advice and a supportive community. Happy holidays and happy parenting!