Planning a Successful Winter Break for Your Neurodivergent Child

Most parents look forward to winter break as a chance to relax and step away from school stress. But for many neurodivergent (ND) kids, winter break feels harder, not easier. Their routines disappear overnight, sleep schedules change, social expectations ramp up, and sensory overload becomes a daily battle.

With thoughtful planning and a little structure, winter break can be calmer and more manageable for everyone. This isn’t about creating a rigid schedule—it’s about helping your child feel safe, regulated, and supported through simple social-emotional learning strategies.

Why Breaks Challenge Neurodivergent Kids

School offers built-in predictability: consistent routines, clear expectations, movement breaks, and a day that follows the same sequence. Winter break removes most of that. Suddenly there are late nights, less structure, unpredictable social time with siblings or cousins, and environments filled with lights, noise, and excitement.

For neurodivergent kids, this can lead to more meltdowns, trouble transitioning, disrupted sleep, and increased anxiety. Keeping some routine and consistency during winter break supports emotional regulation, healthier habits, and fewer sensory overload moments.

The 5 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Skills Winter Break Puts to the Test

Winter break challenges every major SEL skill—the same skills children develop in evidence-based programs like Secret Agent Society (SAS) and PEERS®. Understanding these helps you support your child more intentionally.

1. Self-Awareness

Kids need help recognizing when they feel tired, overwhelmed, excited, or “off.” Winter break can make those feelings much bigger.

2. Self-Management

Regulating emotions is harder when sleep is unpredictable, treats are everywhere, and sensory input is nonstop. Routines and regulation tools help keep things steadier.

3. Decision-Making

Treats, toys, screens, outings, break offers lots of choices. When a child is dysregulated, wise decisions are tough. Clear expectations help them succeed.

4. Social Awareness

Family gatherings mean navigating unfamiliar relatives, noisy environments, and unstructured play. Previewing “who and what to expect” prepares kids to handle social demands.

5. Relationship Skills

Kids may be asked to share, play nicely, or talk to relatives when they’re already overwhelmed. Teaching simple self-advocacy phrases (“I need a break”) empowers them to handle these moments.

Your Winter Break Action Plan

A bit of preparation helps set everyone up for a smoother holiday season.

Before Break Starts:

• Create a simple visual schedule, including “nothing planned” days
• Preview events: who will be there, what happens, how long you’ll stay, and the exit plan.
• Pull together a regulation toolkit: fidgets, headphones, comfort items.
• Keep a few non-negotiables like consistent bedtime routines or screen-time rules.
• Practice self-advocacy phrases such as “I need space,” or “Too loud for me.”
• Talk with extended family so they understand your child’s needs.
• Schedule buffer days around big events.
• Plan simple one-on-one time to help your child stay connected and grounded.

During the Winter Break – Daily Check-Ins:

Check in with your child a few times a day using a simple feelings or The Zones of Regulation® check.

Ask things like:

• “How are you feeling?”
• “What zone are you in?”
• “What do you need right now?”

Morning check-in questions help set the tone:

• “What’s happening today?”
• “What might feel hard?”
• “How can we make this easier?”

Watch for signs of rising stress—trouble sleeping, irritability, appetite changes, or sibling battles. Create a “fire engine signal”—a simple code word or gesture your child can use when they’re hitting their limit and need help regulating immediately. If things feel off, simplify the day. Add movement, quiet time, or sensory breaks.

Permission to Say No:

Winter break gets busy fast, but you don’t have to attend every event. An overwhelmed child plus more activities rarely leads to joy.

You have full permission to:

• decline invitations
• leave early
• spread out gift opening

Easy scripts for relatives:

• “We’re keeping it low-key today.”
• “We’re going to head out early.”
• “They need a break.”

Your child’s wellbeing matters more than anyone’s expectations.

After the Holidays – Process and Learn

Once winter break is over, take time to reflect.

Ask yourself:

• What worked well?
• What was tough?
• What could we adjust next time?

Ask your child, too (they often have great insight). Begin easing back into school routines a few days before classes resume.

Winter break pushes your neurodivergent child’s social-emotional skills, which is part of their growth. Your role is to offer structure, preview upcoming events, maintain familiar routines, and keep regulation tools close. With intentional planning, winter break can be calmer, more connected, and genuinely enjoyable for your whole family. If you’re looking for additional support building these skills year-round, West Coast Centre for Learning offers social-emotional learning programs for children, teens, and young adults. Learn more at wccl.ca.

About Author

Kristi Rigg, BEd, MEd, is the Founder and CEO of West Coast Centre for Learning in Surrey, BC, where she leads evidence-based programs for neurodivergent learners. With over 30 years in education across Canada, Hong Kong, and Brazil, Kristi has established international schools and taught at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She holds a Master’s in Education Management (Hons) from the University of Bristol and remains actively involved in client programs including PEERS® and Secret Agent Society (SAS). Kristi is a regular contributor to regional publications on neuroaffirming support and cognitive development.