6 Tips to Prepare Your Family for a Sensory Smart Holiday
1. Stick to routines as much as possible.
During the holidays, your daily routines are likely to change with shopping, parties, travel, and family gatherings.
But you can support your child’s regulatory system by keeping basic routines consistent, such as sleep and meals.
2. Prepare your child for change in routine.
When the routine is sure to be different, let your child know. Utilize tools such as videos, social stories, and drawing pictures to explain to your child what she might experience out of the norm. Talk to your child about what he or she can do if feeling overwhelmed.
3. Don’t forget your “tools”!
These tools can be simple strategies to help your child or they can be actual items.
Taking a simple break from noise by going to a quiet room and practicing deep breaths can help reset a child who feels overstimulated. Our favorite items include a weighted lap pad, a compression vest, and noise-canceling headphones.
4. Bring comfort items.
Familiar items can be very calming to a child if they’re feeling overwhelmed. Toss a favorite toy, lovey, or book in your bag and pull it out when needed.
5. Pack a snack.
If you have a picky eater or a child with texture aversions, pack a few snacks that your child will recognize and eat. However, your child may be willing to try new foods and this should be encouraged.
But if they’re hesitant, you’ll both be thankful to have a few of their preferences handy!
6. Give permission to skip social interaction (and warn family members!)
When a child is dealing with extra sensory stimulation, the pressure to engage socially can be increasingly overwhelming! Talk about this ahead of time with your child and with other family members.
Let your child know it’s okay to simply wave hello or goodbye, and that you’re not expecting them to give hugs, shake hands, high five, or engage in conversation.
Remember no one knows your child like you do.
The KTL Team sends you peace, love, and regulation this holiday season!