Communication for the Holidays

The holiday season is a magical blend of new experiences, family time, and festive gatherings. This time of year is also filled with changes in routine, increased sensory stimulation, and exposure to large groups of people, which can create communication challenges for children. Let’s take a look at three tips to encourage your child's communication for the holidays!

Simplify and Slow Down

High excitement and noise levels often make it difficult for a child to process and respond to language. Giving them sentences that are too long or complex (Before we go to the party, you have to help me put the boxes in the car and then get dressed.) overwhelms their working memory, and they may only catch a few words. Simplify your directions and give it to them one by one: First, help me put the boxes in the car. (Child completes the task) Time to get dressed. (Child completes the task) Let’s go to the party!

Pause and give enough time for your child to listen and respond. After asking them a question or commenting on an activity, practice the "expectant pause." Wait patiently, looking at them to respond, for at least 5 seconds before jumping in. This gives them the processing time they may need to formulate their responses.

Plan and Prepare for New Events 

Unfamiliar faces and settings can lead to overwhelm and communication breakdowns. Preparation is key. Practice words or phrases they may need before an event. "Thank you for the present," "I need a napkin please," “I’m feeling sleepy,” “I need some quiet/space,” or “I’m not ready, can I have 2 more minutes?”, may come in handy. 

Fun visual timers (find some online from reindeer races to calming sensory timers) or a visual list of events can help a child understand how long they have left and the sequence of the things that need to happen before going home much better than just saying it out loud to them.  

Use photos to introduce or reintroduce people, places, or activities they will encounter. Talk about the person/place/thing, their name, and a positive memory or association to something with which they’re familiar. This pre-exposure reduces anxiety and prepares them to communicate their thoughts, needs, and feelings better. 

Provide Language During Activities

Use your family and holiday time together to increase their language exposure. Narrate what you’re doing throughout the day. What you see, hear, feel, and taste! Talk about colors and sounds ("That’s a sparkly, bright red," “The music is louder outside,”), textures ("The ribbon feels smooth and silky"), and actions ("We are hanging it high up"). This naturally expands their expressive and receptive vocabulary. 

Storytelling and sequencing activities are excellent for building language skills. Read books and tell family stories to each other. Talk through the steps for baking, cooking, or crafting. Later, encourage them to retell the story or steps or talk about their favorite parts. 

By using these holiday helpers, you can help your children navigate the holiday season with greater ease, ensuring that your quality time together remains a time for connection, joy, and love.

Happy Holidays!