Tip of the Week: Planning for Easter

These tips to help you have a happy, stress-free Easter with your family member with PWS were shared on the “Tip of the Week” a few years ago, but the advice is fitting for this Easter weekend. Holidays don’t have to be stressful if you prepare ahead of time and know how much you and your child can tolerate.

1. If going to church is important to you, be sure to have a plan. If you know that your child cannot tolerate sitting still and being quiet for an hour, do not bring him or her. It is only going to make you and your child upset. If you need to, hire a sitter. If your church has a separate mass for children, make certain that it does not involve food. It probably does!

2. If you’re going to add candy to their Easter basket, keep it small. If you have other kids in your family and you feel the need to give them a candy themed basket, do so away from your child with PWS and have them lock the contents.

3. Often times, Easter comes with a big family dinner. Use your best judgment about attending. Sometimes a short visit is enough and helps you avoid the stress that comes with lots of food and family.

Have a very happy Easter from all of us at Latham Centers!

Patrice Carroll is Latham Centers’ world-renowned Prader-Willi Syndrome specialist. She works with Latham Centers’ residents with PWS, their families and consultants, continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices.