I’ll always fondly remember “Kitchen City” — our last-minute, full-scale kitchen takeover that saved us all from the great unraveling of winter break 2023. It may sound dramatic, but two adults trying to work full time while a 3-year-old is suddenly home for two straight weeks? Desperate times call for resourceful measures.
Our oldest, who’s autistic, often runs cars along countertops to decompress. That gave us the idea: we covered every available surface in road tape, brought in bins of toy cars and buildings, and gave him free rein. What started as a survival tactic turned into something magical. He was regulated, we were able to take calls, and — best of all — it became a memory we all cherish. “Kitchen City” still makes the occasional comeback.
We learned a lot that winter and even more since. Now, three years into our autism journey (and with another kiddo diagnosed), we’ve come to expect that long weekends, breaks and time off from school don’t always feel like “time off.” For many neurodivergent families, these shifts in routine can bring on a whirlwind of dysregulation. Just when you find your footing, school starts again — and the cycle begins anew. But over time, we’ve learned a few ways to soften the impact and even make breaks work for us.
Here are a few things that may help from our family to yours:
Find your child’s sweet spot for structure.
Some kids crave a fully mapped-out day. Others need rest and a break from demands. Know what helps your child feel safest and most regulated. A loose routine with built-in choices might be enough. And remember, the more rigid the plan, the more room there is for it to go sideways. Stay flexible.
Borrow what already works.
If your child thrives on visuals or a predictable schedule at school, ask your teacher or therapist if you can replicate parts of that at home during breaks. A familiar routine — even loosely followed — can help your child feel more in control, even if the environment is different.
Reframe screen time.
It’s easy to feel guilty about increased screen time, but for many neurodivergent kids, screens can be regulating, social or even educational. If it helps your child stay regulated or gives you 15 uninterrupted minutes (let’s get real, we’re talking more than 15 minutes) to regroup, it’s OK. Truly. Give yourself grace here.
Build your support network before the next break.
Many families feel isolated when their usual support system disappears during holidays or school closures. Look for sensory-friendly events, play spaces or online communities before the next break hits. These can become lifelines when routine disappears.
Most importantly, give yourself credit. You’re not doing it wrong if breaks are hard. You’re doing your best in a world that doesn’t always build in the kind of support neurodivergent families need. Here’s to more “Kitchen City” moments, however they show up in your world — and to surviving (and maybe even enjoying) the next school break.
