Spring Break!

It’s Spring Break! 

Spring Break, and the associated holidays, may still look a bit different this year than in the past. Regardless, most families and students are looking forward to the time off from work and school. For some who have been vaccinated, this break may even feel a little safer to spend some time with extended family after spending the past year apart. While a break from school can be exciting, the change in routine can lead to increased stress and disruptive behavior in children. In order to support children over this break, we’ve compiled a list of strategies to help parents navigate these stressors.

Maintain and Create Structure When Possible
Children often enjoy and respond best to structured activities (Mesibov, Shea, & Schopler, 2005). Additionally when a child’s environment is structured and predictable, behavioral problems tend to decrease (Mesibov et al., 2005). Here is a list of strategies to maintain structure over extended breaks:

– Maintain a consistent bedtime, naptime, and mealtime schedule when possible. 

– If traveling, implement a few family routines, such as reading a book before bed. 

– Review expectations for behavior in advance. This could include expectations for maintaining COVID safety guidelines, and how you expect your children to engage with their relatives more generally. 

– Remind children of the schedule in advance to increase predictability. You might even choose to review the daily schedule the night before.

– Pack extra activities for kids to engage in when traveling.

– Schedule breaks during long trips or activities.

Locate a Space for Breaks
It is common for children to become overstimulated during social gatherings, especially children who already experience sensitivity to loud noises and crowds. Creating a designated quiet space for children allows them to take a short break from the hustle and bustle, providing them with a sense of security and comfort. Designating a safe spot in advance can be especially helpful (NASP, 2002). Consider leaving a comfort object or relaxing activity in the space for your children to engage in when they choose to remove themselves.

Schedule Downtime
Downtime is often overlooked when families are on a break, but is important as you prioritize both your mental health and physical health during your time off. Engaging in physical activity, meditation, or relaxation techniques can be helpful to maintain this mind-body balance, and reduce any anxiety you may be feeling (Cabe, 2001). For example, going on a family bike ride or a walk is a great way to engage the whole family in a physical and mental health break. If you find your child has an excess of energy, exercise has the added bonus of reducing your child’s energy reserves, as well.

Sunfield wishes you and your family a happy and healthy spring holiday! Stay safe!

References

Cabe, N. (2001). Relaxation training: Bubble breaths. Jason Aronson, Inc.: Lanham, MD. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.msu.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/619731000?accountid=12598

Mesibov, G. B., Shea, V., & Schopler, E. (2005). The TEACCH approach to autism spectrum disorders. Springer Science Business Media: New York, NY. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.msu.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/620797748?accountid=12598

National Association of School Psychologists. (2002). Behavior Problems: Teaching Young Children Self-Control Skills. Retrieved from http://www.nasponline.org/resources/handouts/revisedPDFs/selfcontrol.pdf

Swanson, T. C. (2005). Provide structure for children with learning and behavior problems. Intervention in School and Clinic, 40(3), 182-187. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.msu.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/62135405?accountid=12598’