Winter Break Survival Guide

Winter break for most children is in full swing now. Most children love having time off from school. Some parents love the time as well, while others dread the week and a half of unstructured time because it tends to lead to a variety of behavioral and other issues for their children.

Here are a few suggestions to improve your child's winter break experience:

1)     If your child has difficulty with unstructured time/entertaining themselves, provide them with structure. Sit down with them at the beginning of each day and work collaboratively to make a schedule that works for both of you. For example:

10:00 AM to 11:45 AM: video games

11:45 AM to 12:15 PM: lunch

12:15 PM to 2:15 PM: playing outside

2:15 PM to 4:15 PM: watching a movie

The activities planned can be fun to allow your child to enjoy their break. Of course, working items into the schedule that need to be completed (i.e., chores, organizing the closet, etc.) is also a good use of time.  You don't have to have them stick exactly with the schedule, but having the schedule as a guide for your child, especially for younger ones, can be very helpful.

2)     When feasible, plan activities outside of the house in order to give your child an opportunity to do something different such as going to a museum (i.e., Air and Space, Newseum, American History, Spy, Crime and Punishment, Wax), indoor amusement park, or take a day trip (i.e., Annapolis, Richmond, Baltimore).

3)     Use the time to tackle a project you've been wanting to do or that you've been wanting your child to do such as putting together an entertainment center, organizing the basement, cleaning out your child's closet, etc.

I hope that these suggestions are useful and that you and your children have a wonderful winter break and holiday season!

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Dr. Carey Heller is a licensed psychologist with The Heller Psychology Group LLC in Bethesda, Maryland. He specializes in work with children, adolescents, and families, and is happy to answer questions and provide consultations for individuals who are considering pursuing treatment, an evaluation, or other services for their child, adolescent, or themselves. Dr. Heller can be reached at (301)-385-2610 or careyheller@thehellerpsychologygroup.com.

*Disclaimer: The previous information is intended as general guidance based on my professional opinion, does not constitute an established professional relationship,  and should not replace the recommendations of a psychologist or other licensed professional with whom you initiate or maintain a professional relationship*