Wellbeing

For all the fun and festivities they bring, the holidays also represent a break in routine, which can have an effect on a child’s emotional stability. Some children will struggle with the lack of structure that comes with not going to school, not getting up or going to bed early, and not having a clear sense of what each day will involve. Autistic children are particularly likely to struggle with a change in routine and are likely to experience higher levels of anxiety during this time.

On top of this, many families will spend more time together over the festive period. No family is perfect and family tensions, even seemingly small ones, have a tendency to surface during long periods of time together during the holidays. Children are often acutely aware of adult tensions and some may feel anxious about what will happen over the festive period, but may not articulate this worry to parents or friends.