The Holidays are a busy time and it is likely your special needs child will be with you as you need to get some of your errands done. These outings are a great chance to teach life skills.
There is that chance of the dreaded meltdown, we all know that place well and many of us may wonder if it is worth the chance of risking it?
We know our kids best and should consider what we have to do, where we have to go and how long it will be WHEN there is a choice. For many of us, there may not be the choice and our child will need to be with us for all or most of our errands.
I have come up with some tips in hopes to help.
1. Try to get an early start and do the most important first.
For a few reasons, stores are a little less crowded as the day starts, staff and employees tend to be a little more patient at the start of their shift and there can be less external noise early on. If lines and people are less, it may be a little more manageable.
2. Let your child bring a “comfort toy”.
For ours, it is his DS. Some may have a stuffed animal or object to soothe. Bring it, let them embrace it and use it as needed.
3. Have some snacks, lollipops or other food item.
It can be a great diversion while on line or while trying to gather the last few things.
4. Ask for help!
Yes, you can! Most will want to help, most will not know you need help and will be so grateful to offer what assistance they can. At our local supermarket, I have my son stand next to the helper bagging who engages him in a small “talk” while I pay.
5. Make a social story.
This is a great visual tool, it does not have to be complicated, maybe a picture of each stop you have to make in the order you will be doing it. Your can reference it while you are out.
6. Make it an adventure.
Our son loves an elevator or escalator so if we have to do a few extra trips on that to get through it, we will.
7. Don’t push it.
If you got 3 out of 5 done and you sense your child is at the end of their comfort level, stop for the day. There is always tomorrow.
8. Be patient.
With not only your child and the staff but with yourself! Take a deep breath and know you are never alone!
These outings will be great for you and more importantly, for your child.
Some of the things that your child will learn and observe are
-how to wait in lines
-paying for items at stores
-seeing how to do bank transactions
-how to take a book out at the library
-social interactions with employees
And so much more. Each child is different, every day will be a new experience and be a chance to learn a new lesson.