Supporting Struggling Readers During the Overstimulating Holiday Season

December brings a whirlwind of activity for families. Between holiday events, travel, late nights, school concerts, and sugary treats, many children feel overwhelmed. For kids with dyslexia or ADHD who struggle with reading, this overload often shows up as increased frustration, distractibility, or a sudden drop in skills they usually manage well.

If your child seems more emotional or “rusty” with reading, it’s not regression. Their brain is simply overloaded. The good news is there are simple, gentle ways to support your child this month without power struggles or adding to your overwhelm.

Let’s walk through what’s happening — and what you can do to keep reading confidence strong through the holidays.

Why December Feels Overwhelming for Struggling Readers

The holiday season changes routines dramatically. Kids face:

• More social events that require energy and attention.

• Irregular sleep schedules from late nights and travel.

• Increased sensory input like bright lights, loud music, and crowds.

• Higher sugar intake which can affect focus and mood.

• Interruptions to school and learning routines.

  
  

For children who find reading challenging, these factors combine to overload their brains. Reading requires focus, memory, and processing skills. When a child’s brain is tired or distracted, these skills become harder to access. This can look like:

• Forgetting words they usually know

• Losing track of the story

• Becoming easily frustrated or emotional during reading

• Avoiding reading altogether

  
  

Recognizing these signs as a response to overstimulation—not failure—is key to helping your child.

How to Support Reading Without Pressure

The goal is to keep reading confidence strong without adding stress. Here are practical strategies:

Create Calm Reading Moments

Set aside quiet, low-distraction times for reading. This might be:

• A cozy corner with soft lighting and minimal noise.

• A calming activity like a short walk or deep breathing.

• Short reading sessions of 10-15 minutes throughout the day instead of long stretches.

  
  

The idea is to help your child’s brain reset and focus without feeling overwhelmed.

Choose Familiar and Enjoyable Books

Pick books your child already knows or loves. Familiar stories reduce cognitive load and boost confidence. You can also:

• Read aloud together, taking turns.

• Use audiobooks paired with print books to support decoding and fluency.

• Incorporate holiday-themed books that feel relevant but not stressful.

  
  

Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

Celebrate small wins. Praise your child for trying, asking questions, or sticking with a tough word. Let your child know you will tell them a sound if they forget it. Just make sure they repeat the sound while you point to it.

Emphasize Fun

Hands-on activities related to the story, such as drawing scenes, using puppets, or acting out parts, make reading more interactive and less tiring.

Managing Energy and Emotions Around Reading

Emotional overwhelm can block learning. Help your child by:

• Recognizing signs of fatigue or frustration early.

• Offering breaks when needed, even if it means stopping reading for the day.

• Encouraging physical activity to release built-up energy.

• Using calming techniques like deep breathing or sensory tools (e.g., stress balls).

  
  

Remember, your calm and patient attitude sets the tone. Children pick up on stress and pressure, which can make reading feel like a chore.

Planning for the Month Ahead

To keep reading on track during December:

• Set realistic goals: Focus on maintaining skills rather than pushing for new ones.

• Incorporate reading into holiday fun: Read holiday recipes, cards, or simple instructions together.

• Limit screen time: Too much screen exposure can add to overstimulation and affect sleep.

  
  

By planning ahead, you can reduce surprises and create a supportive environment.

Keep Confidence Strong Through the Holidays

The holiday season is full of joy but also challenges for struggling readers. When your child seems distracted or emotional, remember their brain is overloaded, not failing. By creating calm reading moments, choosing familiar books, and focusing on connection, you can support their reading confidence gently. Managing energy and emotions, setting realistic goals, and involving the whole family in reading can make a big difference.

When to Seek Extra Support

Temporary overwhelm is normal during December, but ongoing difficulties may need extra help to promote reading success. If your child’s reading challenges increase significantly or continue after the holidays, consider tutoring.

You don’t have to navigate reading struggles alone. I’m here to help — every step of the way. Get in touch to learn more about how Success Tutoring can help.