In three sections: A quick review of the sensory systems and how they are impacted by the holidays. How can I help my child? Five tips. A guide for creating a seasonal sensory tool kit.
A QUICK REVIEW OF THE SENSORY SYSTEMS AND HOW THEY ARE IMPACTED BY THE HOLIDAYS.
The Holiday Season is upon us. The weather has changed; the energy and speed of events around us has quickened and anxiety levels can be high. As adults we feel this and are able to self-manage…mostly. However, for children who have fewer coping mechanisms or a compromised sensory system, the holidays can put their systems into overdrive. This overdrive can create confusion, frustration and a negative change in behavior.
Let’s start by looking at a sample of the changes the Holiday season brings and how your child’s sensory system can be effected.
Visual System – increased sparkling items; from trees lit with colored lights and tinsel to brightly colored toys and presents. Everywhere we turn looks like a life-sized game of Candy Land which is beautiful and overwhelming all in the blink of an eye.
Auditory System – inescapable Holiday music everywhere we go but it’s not just the music, there is increased chatter from shoppers and increased traffic noise on the streets.
Taste System – foods during the Holiday season tend to be rich and full of sugar. Common items are often re-themed into holiday colors. For children who are orally picky this can create a high level of anxiety.
Tactile System – changing weather means children transition in and out of a coat. Some children have difficulty tolerating the change of clothing required for the seasons. Scarfs, mittens, boots or hats…ouch!
Vestibular System – which is our sense of movement and where our body is in space. Children move to regulate their behavior and attention. With winter weather outdoor activities become indoor time at school and home. Children who are not getting their healthy dose of movement will seek it elsewhere, which can lead to inappropriate behavior.
HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD? FIVE TIPS.
1. First and foremost, take care of yourself and you are better able to take care of your child.
2. Focus on what the holidays are about for your family.
3. Recognize that you cannot control the uncontrollable. You can’t stop the Salvation Army bell from ringing, the bright lights from flashing or Aunt Mildred from bringing her fruit cake. But you can control what your child is exposed to. You can understand what triggers your child into a meltdown. The more you understand your child’s sensory triggers the better equipped you are at limiting and changing his/her environment; creating a successful Holiday experience.
4. Help your child transition through the season by creating a Holiday calendar. Break it down by day or by week. Get creative, allow your child to help decorate it. Children are often anxious when they don’t know what to expect. Helping them learn what is expected can decrease their anxieties.
5. Talk to other family members and friends about what you plan to do to help everyone have a successful, joy-filled holiday. Share your plans, tool kits ideas, and triggers for your child with them.
A GUIDE FOR CREATING A SEASONAL SENSORY TOOL KIT.
Visual System: If you need to take your visual sensitive child into a store try;
• Letting your child wear a baseball hat to decrease the input of florescent lighting.
• Giving your child an activity to focus on. If they are small enough to ride in the cart have a project which will keep their attention (coloring, electronic, fidget).
• Having your child wear sunglasses to help dim lighting.
Auditory System: If you know your child becomes dis-regulated with noise try:
• Ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones.
• Headphones with their own music.
Taste System: If your child is having difficulty adjusting to the new flavors of the season try:
• Limiting sugar. It’s not good for us, really it’s not. The more we eat the more we want. Pack your own healthy snacks to avoid situations in which sugar is the only choice. When attending a party or event and are worried about your kid trying new foods, have a sensory safe snack prepared for your child that you know they will enjoy.
• The holidays are not the time to introduce new foods to your picky eater. If they don’t want to try something don’t push it. Introduce these foods when the stress levels are lower.
Tactile System: Special holiday outfits can cause children who are tactically sensitive to become dis-regulated. Children can also become over-stimulated by crowds and people bumping or touching them. Try;
• Allowing your children to help pick out their clothing for holiday events. If you know a particular outfit is going to be a battle to wear, don’t push it. Or allow your child to change as soon as the event is over.
• Allowing your child breaks to get away from a crowded environment and regroup.
Vestibular System: Everyone needs movement to stay alert and focused. Children with sensory processing issues often require more organized movement to help them manage and function well. Sitting during a long church service or during a family meal may feel tortuous to them. Try;
• Connecting bungee cords or thera-band onto the chair to give your child’s hands and feet something to do.
• Taking a movement break before enduring a long seated task.
• Providing a fidget for your child’s hands to play with.
• Giving your child deep pressure touch or big squeezes when you feel they are beginning to wiggle.
• Facilitating bathroom breaks and taking the opportunity to do jumping jacks, wall push-ups etc.
Be sure to celebrate your holiday season sensory successes with your family. We’d love to hear about them, too!