How a simple structured activity can help children regulate and manage the upcoming pause in therapy.
As the Christmas break approaches many children begin to feel the impact of the upcoming pause in play therapy. For some this brings excitement but for others it creates uncertainty, heightened feelings or a sense of emotional looseness that can show up in their play. Familiar routines begin to shift, school becomes busier and the dependable rhythm of weekly therapy feels as if it is slipping out of reach. These children may need an increased sense of structure, predictability and grounding before they can manage a long break.
One meaningful way to support this is through a pausing activity, and icing biscuits can be particularly effective. The activity has clear steps, a gentle rhythm and a nurturing sensory element. Sitting together to ice a biscuit slows the pace, offers containment and allows the child to stay connected to the therapist in a calm and predictable way. The iced biscuit becomes more than a treat. It acts as a symbolic pause, marking the end of the term and offering a sense of completion before the break. It can also provide emotional safety for children who struggle with endings, as it gives the session a soft, structured close.
Therapists can pair this activity with warm, simple language about the upcoming pause. Acknowledging that therapy will resume, naming any mixed feelings the child might have and allowing them to stay in control of their chosen decoration supports regulation and agency. These moments help children feel held in mind and can make the transition into the holiday period more manageable.
