Heidi enjoyed her Christmas with family. She was the bow keeper during the gift opening. She even has some new friends, but we will introduce them later.

Now that a lot of the festivities are over Heidi finds it helpful to get back on schedule. Having a routine helps her feel calmer. https://wordpress.com/reader/feeds/169719414/posts/5881056088 Kids are much the same way. A little break from routine is nice but generally they feel better when they know what to predict. Since most kids are off from school until the new year there are still many days left to keep a at home routine.

Some families like to write what the schedule is on a calendar. Having a calendar where your child can see it is helpful. Adding pictures also helps them understand what to expect. When that task is over, they can take the picture off of the calendar.

Here are some more ideas of things to do at home until the new year.

• Post a count down of how many days until 2026. Add a small task (20 mins) to finish on each day. These tasks could be making bins labeled donate, fix and toss. When they find a toy or clothing they have out grown they can put it in the box. Keep the boxes in a place where everyone can add to them. Sorting through art supplies and tossing out dried markers could be another task. Play board or card games and make sure they have all the pieces. Make a fresh start for the new year.
• try to keep the tasks short so the kids keep their interest. You don’t have to track down every item they have outgrown, just 1 or 2. Add more on another day.

Have the kids found places to put all of their new toys and books? It is easier to put things away when they have a home.

Heidi is going to make some bins for items she is going to toss, fix or donate. See you later.