3 Tips for a Family Fun This Holiday Season

The winter holiday season can be a special time to bond with your children and make memories that will last a lifetime. If your child has Cerebral Palsy, this time of year may seem stressful, especially for new parents. However, there are many things you can do to make the holidays memorable and develop new traditions for years to come.

Here are two tips to keep in mind when planning for family fun.

1. Plan Ahead

Most holiday celebrations require a significant amount of planning, but having a child with special needs may warrant a backup plan or two in place. For example, if your child uses a wheelchair or other mobility aid, going to a relative's house or venue you may not frequent might require additional arrangements, such as calling ahead to discuss accessibility.

Furthermore, activities like long shopping trips or driving around to look at holiday decor for hours may not be enjoyable for children with limited mobility or chronic pain. Ultimately, you know your child and their needs better than anyone else, so ensure that you always have a few alternative activities planned in advance.

2. Be Mindful of the Weather

Colder temperatures and inclement weather conditions tend to affect children with physical disabilities greater than others, so keeping them warm during this time of year is essential. While great strides have been made to improve the quality of adaptive winter clothing over the past few years, it is also recommended that any outdoor activities be planned with your child's needs in mind.

Joint pain can be exacerbated by the cold, and individuals with chronic conditions that affect mobility might feel the effects of weather changes quicker. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't allow your child to look at lights in the neighborhood or help build a snowman, though—just be mindful of their comfortability levels and adjust accordingly.

3. Get Creative

Every child loves to feel like holiday activities were designed with them in mind, so don't be afraid to get creative throughout this season. Regardless of your child's needs, there are endless possibilities for what you can do, from arts and crafts to holiday movie nights to baking yummy treats. You may also want to check out local craft shows or performances put on at your child's school for more festive fun outside of the home.

Angel Law, P.C. is dedicated to representing families of children who have suffered harm from birth injuries. If you believe your child was harmed during the birthing process from the negligence of a doctor or other medical professional, schedule a free consultation by calling (503) 862-8666. Our team is available 24/7.