Christine McGuinness reveals ‘awful aftermath’ of Christmas after autistic children ‘weren’t prepared for it to end’
CHRISTINE McGuinness has opened up about the "awful aftermath" of Christmas, as her autistic children "weren't prepared for it to end".
The 31-year-old star had previously gushed about how well six-year-olds Leo and Penelope had handled the festive holiday.
On her social media page, the model told fans they'd had the "most successful, calmest" Christmas ever - even though her 46-year-old husband Paddy lost a tooth.
She'd also shared her joy at having a tree up in their home for the first time in years as the twins usually struggled with the sensory overload.
Taking to Instagram earlier today, Christine - who is also mum to three-year-old Felicity - opened up about the negative impact of the break.
She wrote: "Walking away from Christmas.. Last week I told how proud I was to have a Christmas tree up at home, I am still very proud that my children coped well over Christmas as they struggle so much with sensory overload, anxiety, they become easily overwhelmed.
"But, I wasn’t ready for the aftermath following Christmas Day, it has has been awful.
"I think I prepared them so much for Christmas Day, I didn’t prepare them for it to end. I know many of you with Autistic children will understand, I’m still learning everyday and next year will be better again."
Christine went on to yearn for the routine of regular life, adding: "So now, all evidence of Christmas has gone from our home, I find the best way to help my children is to get them involved and show them visually.
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"We took the tree down together and explained: 'Christmas has finished'.. today seems calmer.
"I’m just hoping for the best, patiently waiting for normal routine to come back!"
Leo and Penelope were diagnosed with autism in 2017, and Christine and Paddy recently said that Felicity is showing signs of the condition but was too young to be diagnosed.