You probably already have a pretty strong opinion of the 4th of July. It isn't exactly our favorite holiday either. Technically, we dsilke most holidays simply because of the intense amount of prolonged anxiety and lack of routine--and that is just my problem.
But back to the current holiday.
With 4th of July coming we are in need of taking many many precautions to prevent a meltdown worse than anticipated. Irnocially, this year, I am much more worried about Matthew than Gabe. Why? Because Gabe goes to my mom's house for a fireworks-free night. Matt on the other hand, he'll be home. I have already ordered his noise canceling headphones to compliment his all-boy love of all-things fire related. He is Jeff's mini-me afterall.
I am going to give you a list of things that *have* worked for us in the past, but are obviously no guarantee for your sensational kiddo, so as always, adjust where you see fit. : )
1. Give limited warning--it is my experience that if I talk too much about the noise that is coming and the problems Gabriel may or may not have he gets overwhelmed. I think the anticipation is just as bad, if not worse, than the event. Yes, Gabriel is clear on what 4th of July is and that it is coming, but we don't harp on it. Same goes for Matthew -- he'll know it is coming, but we aren't going to focus on the 'noise'.
