5 PRACTICAL TIPS FOR PARENTS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

This blog gives 5 great suggestions to help survive the holidays with your ASD kids -
1.  Practice
2.  Keep it Small
3.  Comfortable Surroundings
4.  Keep it Simple
5.  Create a Food Plan
http://blog.myautismteam.com/2012/12/22/holiday-advice-for-parents-of-kids-with-autism-5-practical-tips/

Just like our kids - there is no ONE things that is going to work for all of us.  We have 2 Christmas mornings - one with our daughter where the presents are gently exchanged, admired and appreciated - and then another one with Ty - where the paper is ripped, unwanted presents are discarded - his favorite movie (another copy to add to the 67 he already has) is finally unwrapped along with the bag of Fritos and balloons and he runs back to his room - only to reappear about an hour later to repeat the above scene - which we gladly do because we have learned not to put out all the presents at once.

So - is it fair that Ty (16) gets bags of Fritos, balloons, squishy toys from the dollar store and some previously viewed DVD's because his favorites are all out of print - and his sister (18) gets a class ring, and (can't give it all away in case she reads this....)?  YES!  Because fair is doing what is best for each person.

So - I am off to prepare what I hope will be the Gift of a Life Time - I am taking the marshmallows out of the large box of Lucky Charms for Ty because that's the only part of the cereal he eats anyway.  Won't he be surprised when he doesn't have to throw out all those pesky cereal pieces and grind them into the carpet just to get to the magical marshmallows.  I ROCK!!