Thanksgiving: Tips & Tricks for Children with Selective Mutism
This post on Thanksgiving is written by Ilana Weinstein
Thanksgiving can be a happy occasion filled with lots of good food, friends, and family. At the same time, this holiday can be loud, filled with lots of people, and in large environments. As a result, it can be a day filled with anxiety for individuals with Selective Mutism (SM).
Here are a few tips and tricks when preparing for Thanksgiving:
Take Note
Take note of which individuals have high expectations for your child; these are individuals who may induce some anxiety on Thanksgiving. In order to decrease anxiety, let people know to give your child space and warm-up time when needed.
Encourage
It is important to encourage friends and family to ask your child choice questions. Choice questions, rather than open-ended questions, lower processing time and decrease anxiety.
Find a Buddy
It is important for the child to feel comfortable. Thus, it’s helpful to pair the child with a buddy. This buddy could be anyone: a sibling, friend, or cousin!
Warm Up
To increase comfort, allow for as much warm-up time as possible. If Thanksgiving is at your house, prepare your child by telling them what to expect, who is coming, and what food is there. If Thanksgiving is at someone else’s house, try to prepare them and get to the house early so they can know the environment better.
Role Play
If the child is comfortable, you can give the child a role! Examples can include taking people’s coats, making the desserts, clearing the table, and giving people silverware.
IN SUMMARY…
Thanksgiving can be a positive experience for kids and teens with selective mutism! By approaching the day with flexibility and patience, you can help your child feel more at ease.
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