Download: Holiday behavior worksheet for your child

The holidays can be hard for kids who learn and think differently. Things that are supposed to be fun — special holiday meals, chitchat with friends and relatives — can be stressful. There may be unspoken (or even spoken) comparisons to other kids. All these demands can lead to behavior problems.

One way to avoid problem behavior is by planning for holiday challenges ahead of time. With this worksheet, you and your child can do that together.

The worksheet lists common holiday challenges. Work with your child to mark off the challenges that apply. Or come up with different things that are hard during the holidays. Then fill out the chart for each challenge.

You may have to help your child come up with strategies. For ideas, explore tips to help with:

• Gift exchanges

• Social situations

• Food sensitivities

• Restrictive clothing

• Cabin fever

• Understanding and joining holiday traditions

Thinking through challenges is a great way for kids to build self-awareness. And coming up with strategies can help them feel more in control when faced with holiday challenges.