Back into the Routine After Halloween
Creating Structure and Family Fun for Kids with ADHD
Nov 1, 2008
The morning after Halloween can present some challenges for families of kids with special needs. Consider these ideas for ways to get back your family back into the swing of things.
Limit the Sugar Intake
Take a look at the Halloween treats. Divide them into usable items (erasers, pencils, small notebooks, modeling dough), inappropriate treats, those that can be eaten, and those that can be used for fun educational activities (see below). The usable items can be given to the child for immediate use.
Inappropriate treats might include things that the child cannot eat because of his age (jaw breakers for preschooler for example) and items that he cannot eat because of dietary restrictions (perhaps those with red dye or those with peanut ingredients). Inappropriate treats might be okay for a sibling, or they can be passed on to a children’s activity group that might be able to use them. The appropriate treats can be saved for eating over a period of time.
Allow for Halloween Play
Some of the collected treats might also be perfect for Halloween candy sorting activities. The colorful pieces of various shapes and kinds are perfect for a fun educational activity that will seem to be only fun. Since the treats are not unwrapped or eaten during the sorting, after they have been used several times they can be returned to the eat-over-time container or to a sibling’s loot.
Allow that some ongoing play with Halloween props and costumes is a good thing. Pretending and fostering of imagination is the real perk of Halloween (not the candy). Plan for some time to pretend with your child. It is okay to limit the amount of time for each pretend play session, but be aware that kids with special needs benefit from repetition. Look for opportunities to encourage speech and conversation.
Reintroduce the Routine
Get back into the routine for all other areas as quickly as possible. Kids with ADHD and those on the autism spectrum depend on a structured routine to stay focused on desired behaviors and expectations.
Plan Ahead for the Holidays
November first brings thoughts of the rush into the holidays. Take a breather to get the routine going again. Even though special events and shopping are fast approaching, use this time to plan how much and what kinds of activities will be enough for the family.
Look for ways to create a family routine that offers structure and creativity. The days after Halloween can include fun that can be beneficial and yet not intrusive into the family routine.
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