Identify and describe the event that will happen (e.g., We are going to Grandma and Grandpa's for (holiday). Aunt _____, Uncle _____ and cousins __________ will be there! We will wake up, get ready and drive to (location) on (day)!)

Set the rules for the event (e.g., when I go to Grandma and Grandpa's, I take my shoes off before I come inside. When I walk into their house I say hi to everyone. I can play with ____________. I stay in the kitchen/family room when I'm at Grandma and Grandpa's house. I want until mom tells me it's okay to open my presents.)

Identify any problem behaviors that may occur and label them (e.g., I may feel like I want to open my presents before it's time. It may be hard to wait.)

Describe what happens to your child's body when he/she has a hard time waiting so they have a concrete identifier to connect the feeling and label the emotion (e.g., I will know I'm having a hard time waiting when my breathing might get fast, my body might want to run away, my eyes might get watery and I might cry)

Provide problem solving strategies (e.g., When I notice my body is having a hard time waiting, I can ask my mom to make a schedule, I can ask my mom to set a timer or I can play with (highly preferred activity/person/toy)

End it on a positive note (e.g., I can handle waiting for my presents!  Celebrating the holiday with my family will be so much fun!)

Stories are a great way to prepare children with the knowledge of upcoming changes, disruptions to routines, transitions, and new experiences or routines. Stories use pictures and descriptive words to guide children through different situations and set the expectations by providing clear and direct information.

Christina DeChello

MA, BCBA, LBA