KarenADHD's post and overcompensating for the holidays

As a newbie here, I'm hoping for lots of answers to her request for posts about the holidays. I am scared to death to overcompensate this holiday season since we have new diagnoses and the eggshells seem thinner every day.

On the other hand, I really want for this holiday to be a good one since it seems like we've been through the absolute wringer in the past several months.

On the third hand, if I could I would just skip the holidays altogether because I have no idea emotionally how this is all going to go and I fear by the time we get there (yes, this Thursday through what? the 2nd of January), that I will be exhausted and so will she, is it better to not have school? at least there won't be the fear of emails from the school every day, but then again we'll have the end of the semester and book reports and tests, but then again, there will be the pressure of the holiday concerts and activities, but then isn't that fun to do all that holiday stuff that I really love to do with her?

Sigh. Anyone else freaking out that has a new diagnosis or new diagnoses?

[Onthemove1971]

Welcome to the group! Yes I agree it is better to have our children w ou th us becuase then we are the only ones complaining, but it is way more than I can handle and always go back to.work exhuated. It is so hard with them out of school becuase we have to entertain and I never get a chance to really rest.

Our son is 12 years old and we are reasonable, but giving.

We are looking for ways to not get exhausted tr his year.

Best of luck.. bug hugs

[siebgal]

Hi. I always over do it. My DS thrives on getting out and doing things and then hits a wall with over stimulation. I don't know how having a new diagnosis will change things other than giving you new insight about how your child might respond to the busy-ness. Keep your family traditions, especially if it gets you outside. Skip the concerts that might eat up sacred free time in the evenings or weekends, if they are optional. Check out relaxation tips for ADHD (magnesium supplements, lavender, yoga). See what works for you guys. Good luck.

[anirush]

Don't know what an issue free holiday looks like but always hold out hope for the next one.

[Pennywink]

For us, it works best to say no / cut back on holiday festivities and to keep our schedule as close to normal as possible. As much as we’d love to make each year special, it doesn’t do much good if my son is overtired / overstimulated. We keep our traditions, but generally try to keep them to things that can still get him to bed on time. And we definitely try to avoid being out every night / weekend. Some families work better keeping their kids busy, but ours does not. We like our downtime / freetime at home.