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Embracing Predictability: A Guide for Families During Winter Break

Updated: Dec 4, 2025

A snow-covered school building during winter, reflecting a peaceful and structured environment, illustrating the importance of routines and predictability for students over winter break.
Winter break brings a welcome pause for many families. A chance to rest, celebrate, and spend time together. But for students who depend on structure to feel safe and regulated, the sudden shift from school schedules to holiday chaos can be overwhelming.

Winter break brings a welcome pause for many families. It’s a chance to rest, celebrate, and spend time together. However, for students who depend on structure to feel safe and regulated, the sudden shift from school schedules to holiday chaos can be overwhelming. Predictability supports more than just comfort. It helps children stay emotionally balanced, maintain skills they’ve built all year, and return to school ready to learn. Whether your child has an IEP, 504 plan, or simply benefits from routine, small steps can make a big difference.



1. Why Predictability Matters


A pair of socks neatly placed on a chair, symbolizing small daily routines and the role of predictability in maintaining structure over winter break.

Consistent routines provide a sense of security and control. Students who experience anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or executive-function challenges often rely on the rhythm of familiar schedules. When routines stop suddenly, behaviors and emotions can become harder to manage.


Predictability:

  • Reduces uncertainty and stress.

  • Helps with sleep and eating regulation.

  • Keeps supports (visuals, timers, transitions) consistent between home and school life.


2. Create a “Winter Break Rhythm”


Parent and child playing with toys on a bed, maintaining home routines during winter break.

Instead of a rigid plan, think of it as a home routine with flexible anchors. Meals, quiet time, and bedtime routines should stay steady while activities vary.


Try:

  • Posting a daily visual schedule (pictures or short phrases work best).

  • Using countdowns (“Two sleeps until Grandma’s house”) to help with transitions.

  • Building in movement breaks to replace school-based recess or occupational-therapy routines.


If your family uses Charting the LifeCourse tools, this is a great time to revisit your child’s trajectory. Asking, “What helps our day go well?” and “What throws us off?” A mini-PATH or trajectory chart can help shape your winter goals.


3. Keep Key Supports in Place


Parent and child reading and studying together, keeping key learning supports and routines during winter break.

Even though school services pause, many supports can continue informally:

  • Reading for pleasure (choose familiar, high-interest topics).

  • Using the same visual aids, timers, or calming tools from school.

  • Practicing life-skills goals in natural settings — cooking, budgeting, organizing.


If your child receives speech, OT, or academic support, ask providers before break how you can maintain consistency at home. Many districts, including HCPSS, have winter resource packets and links to skill maintenance activities for students with IEPs.


4. Balance Rest and Routine


Clock beside a bed, representing the importance of predictable sleep and rest routines during winter break.

Structure doesn’t mean overscheduling. Students need downtime — but even rest can have rhythm. Plan unstructured periods intentionally, with start and end points (for example, “quiet time until dinner”). Predictable rest helps prevent overstimulation, especially during holiday gatherings.


5. Prepare for the Return to School


School lockers, symbolizing preparation and a smooth transition back to school after winter break.

In the final days of break, begin transitioning back:

  • Adjust bedtime gradually.

  • Review upcoming schedules on a monthly calendar.

  • Revisit school routines and transportation details together.


This simple “re-entry plan” minimizes post-break anxiety and helps educators see a smoother restart in January.



Family Routine Check-In Box


Create a sidebar box with this quick reflection checklist:


Winter Routine Check-In:


[ ] Do we have consistent mealtimes and bedtimes?

[ ] Is our child using familiar supports (visuals, breaks, fidgets)?

[ ] Have we shared the week’s plan visually or verbally?

[ ] Are we balancing rest with movement and connection?

[ ] Did we build in transition days before school resumes?


Resources for Maryland Families



Final Thought


Predictability doesn’t take away the magic of the holidays — it helps everyone enjoy it more. With small routines and gentle transitions, families can keep calm, stay connected, and greet the new year with energy and confidence.


Hi, I’m Barbara Sanchez—a certified educator, special needs parent, and advocate with over 15 years of experience helping families navigate special education services.


As a parent of a son with level 3 autism, I understand the confusion, stress, and isolation that can come with seeking appropriate support. Through persistence and advocacy, I found ways to bring balance, hope, and stability back to our home—and now, I’m passionate about helping other families do the same.


Every child deserves support, and every parent deserves to feel empowered. I help families navigate special education with clarity, compassion, and confidence. I’m honored to walk this journey with you.

 
 
 

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