Last updated on November 26, 2023
Please, during this holiday season, remember to respect every child’s or adult’s preferences:
DO NOT:
- Force someone to hug other people, even family members.
- Insist on “sitting still” in stressful situations.
- Demand silence when the individual is trying to communicate stress.
- Refuse to excuse anyone from a crowded, noisy, overloaded space.
- Expect a child or adult to eat foods he or she dislikes.
- Ask a child or adult to smile, shake hands, make eye contact or otherwise try to meet social norms that can be uncomfortable.
Family and friends are supposed to be the true meaning of these weeks. Do not create unnecessary stress. The pain and misery of the holidays will be remembered and experienced year after year.