TIP of the WEEK: In the Thick of It

The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas can be the most challenging time of the year for kids and families with PWS. Typical families experience holiday stress, but families with a child with PWS experience something that can barely be described. Parties, school celebrations that always include food regardless of how much we ask that it not be included, and the focus on food everywhere we go make these weeks extremely challenging.

Our kids experience stress even when they are looking forward to something good. Do your best to keep routines the same, avoid celebrations if they are too stressful- you are not required to attend events of they cause upset in your home, and schedule time for yourself. Soon enough we will be back to normal and recovering from December!

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.