Holiday Survival Guide: 10 Tips for Sensory Success!
December 05, 2016
Regardless of what holidays you celebrate, the month of December inevitably holds a lot of chaos in the lives of our kids. Between school vacations, crowded stores, loud music, special foods, and new experiences, the holidays can be a stressful time for children with sensory sensitivities. Here are ten tips to help make the holiday season more enjoyable for everyone!
1. Talk It Out
Discuss with your child what will happen the day before, during, and after any new or different experience, like going to a party or to Grandma’s house. Reducing surprises will help your child be better able to predict what comes next, and be able to organize behavior.
2. Plan It Out
Mark off days on the calendar as the big day approaches to help your child prepare. A family calendar with pictures and explanations of holiday events can be helpful so that your child can be prepared when the time comes for a new experience.Discuss with your child what will happen the day before, during, and after any new or different experience, like going to a party or to Grandma’s house. Reducing surprises will help your child be better able to predict what comes next, and be able to organize behavior.
2. Plan It Out
3. Rely on Stories and Memories
Explain the holiday you’re celebrating by looking through old pictures or reading a picture book. Great resources for social stories can be found here, here, and here.
4. Stay on Schedule
Try to stick with as normal of a routine as possible. Maintain bedtime and wake-up times as they are during school. If your child’s sleep schedule gets disrupted a bit, try moving bedtime 10-15 minutes earlier each day to help them get back on track.
5. Make Merry
Making decorations can help your child feel engaged in the celebration! It is also a great opportunity to introduce your child to some uncomfortable textures, like glue or glitter, they might otherwise avoid, while are motivated to assist with the holiday preparations.
6. Navigating Crowds
When preparing to go to a busy store, have your child help make the shopping list so they feel a part of the experience. Let them help push the cart or carry the basket (a great opportunity for calming heavy work), and provide them sensory comforts like chewing gum, earplugs, baseball cap, or favorite music with headphones to help ease the stimulation of a crowded store. If all else fails, plan your outings during a less busy time.
7. Taste Test
If your child has difficulty trying new foods, or only likes specific textures, bring along some sensory friendly snacks or a special dessert. If you're hosting, have your child help choose recipes that they'd like to eat.
8. Dress Rehearsal
Try on all special or fancy clothes your child plans to wear for occasions to ensure that they’re comfortable in what they’re wearing. Try leggings instead of tights, or clip-on ties instead of neckties for those special outfits. And bring a change of clothes, just in case.
9. Don’t Forget Sensory Breaks
Jump and crash 20 times before sitting down for dinner or traveling. Go outside before or after a big meal (or during if a meltdown begins) in order to run, march, hop, skip, or walk around the block, stomp in snow, or crunch leaves.
10. Practice Makes Perfect
Before going to a party or hosting a party at your house, practice introductions that might be expected (hugging, kissing, shaking hands) before going to a party. Make sure your child has a safe space they can retreat to if they become overstimulated, and bring along a busy bag with some of your child's favorite toys to help them transition to a new place. If you plan to stay overnight, don't forget those bedtime favorites-- pillows, blankets, PJs, nightlight, sound machine, and any other comforts of home.
The holidays are chaotic and stressful for all of us, kids and adults. Now more than ever, it's important to remember patience and flexibility, and plan ahead, to survive this crazy month. Have a great holiday season!
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