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Growing Hands-On Kids

Growing Hands-On Kids

Child Development Tips, Tools, and Strategies

You are here: Home / Sensory & Behavior / 5 Tips to Reduce Sensory Meltdowns During the Holidays

5 Tips to Reduce Sensory Meltdowns During the Holidays

December 17, 2013 By Heather Greutman 6 Comments

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5 tips for reducing sensory meltdowns over the holidays from other sensory moms.

Affiliate and Referral links are used below to promote products I love and recommend. I receive a commission on any purchases made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details.

The holiday season can be a stressful time. If you are a parent of a child with sensory challenges, those issues can intensify over this time of year. If you are not careful, it can lead to a huge sensory meltdown. Here are some tips to reduce sensory meltdowns during the holidays.

5 tips for reducing sensory meltdowns over the holidays from other sensory moms.

I reached out to some of my blogging friends and fellow moms who also happen to parent children with sensory challenges.

Even if you follow all these tips, that does not mean your child won't have a sensory meltdown over the holidays. However, I know many of these strategies will help to decrease sensory meltdowns and give you tools to use if your child does have one.

Tip #1 – Use a Sensory Calm Down Bag

Elizabeth suggested creating a sensory calm down bag and bring it along. If there are items that help to soothe your child when they are overwhelmed then place them into your calm down bag and bring them along just in case. Some examples of items you can bring along include; noise-canceling headphones, pressure vest, squishy/fidget toy, chewy tube, iPod and headphones with calming music or even a rice pouch that has been infused with essential oils.

Your child will appreciate having their comforting items within reach when they need them most. Children with sensory difficulties often cannot calm themselves on their own. By having these items close by, you’re prepared to help your child cope with whatever this holiday season brings.

Suggested: Fidget Toolkit for Kids, Anti-Anxiety Toolkit for Kids from The Chaos And The Clutter.

Tip #2 – Leave Room for Quiet

Jennifer from Jennifer A Janes says “We’re dealing with holiday sensory meltdowns again. They’ve been particularly bad this year, and we’ve found one thing that works better than any other: we’re going back to the beginning. The brushing, joint compressions, plenty of time for sensory play and activities she finds relaxing, providing deep pressure with a weighted blanket or other means, and all the other things we used to do when she first began therapy and we first realized that SPD is why some of the meltdowns were occurring—we’re doing them all again and always giving her the option of having a timeout during any gatherings where she can be calm and quiet, away from the bustle of the event. That’s what we’re doing this year, and after only a week of really being diligent, it’s working.”

Sensory Processing Explained: A Handbook for Parents and Educators.

Tip #3 – Pre-Activity Preparation

Rebekah says: “Our 9-year old struggles with sensory issues and we’ve learned a lot as we try to successfully navigate through the holidays as a family. What has worked best for us is pre-activity preparation. We work to find out as much as we can about any activity we choose to participate in, to prepare him ahead of time. For example, we might look up a Christmas light display online, read about it, and watch any clips they show online. We also drive by places several days before we plan to visit so that it’s not a “brand new” outing for him. If we have time, we’ll stop and walk around to explore for a bit (look for lights or sounds that may trigger him). When it’s time for the whole family to participate, he feels as though he’s already had some success at that location or activity, and that helps keep him feeling calm and less likely to have a sensory meltdown.”

Tip #4 – Plan Ahead and Stick to Routine

Sharla from The Chaos And The Clutter Says: “Four of our seven kids have SPD (sensory processing disorder) and the holidays can be a challenge. Over the years, we've figured out that a few small adjustments can make things run much more smoothly. A lot of the things that we do to get through the holidays with our kids who suffer from anxiety also apply to kids with sensory issues. Taking sensory balls, playdough, a favorite stuffed animal, or weighted blanket with you when you go out to holiday parties or family gatherings can be very helpful. Take time before going out to talk about some of the sensory challenges (loud noise, bright or blinking lights, having to sit still, etc.) that may be present and brainstorm coping strategies together. I also advise sticking as closely to routine as possible. It is possible for both you and your child to enjoy the holidays!”

Tip #5 – Find a Quiet Room While Out and About 

If you know you are going to be at a friend or family members house for a holiday party or while overnight, ask that person or hostess ahead of time if there is a room that your child could use as a quiet room. Talk to your child ahead of time and let them know that if they start to feel anxious or to get overwhelmed by a noise, sight, or smell etc that they can retreat to this room to gain their composer or to relax. You will also, of course, be keeping an eye out for signs of sensory overload and also take them to this room if they seem to be escalating. It will take them out of the stressful situation and hopefully provide a safe and calming environment for them, while still allowing your family to take part in the holiday festivities.

BONUS TIP – Say No!

With the holidays comes added pressure and expectations. I know I definitely struggle with learning to say “NO” to something, even if I know our schedule is already jammed pack.

Saying “NO” when you know your schedule is already full or you know an activity is just not right for your child and family is important.

 

Are wondering if your child's tantrums are really behavior or a sensory meltdown? Get all your questions answered, plus learn strategies, tips, and tools for decoding and equipping yourself with the sensory knowledge you need. Sensory Processing Explained: A Handbook for Parents and Educators is an all-inclusive guide to everything related to sensory processing.

Sensory Processing Explained: A Handbook for Parents and Educators.

 

I hope you are able to find some peace and quiet this holiday season.

You can also follow my Occupational Therapy Tips board for more tips like this in your Pinterest feed.

Follow Heather G. | Golden Reflections Blog's board Occupational Therapy Tips on Pinterest.

You May Also Like:

Occupational therapy recommended gift ideas for children of all ages.

  • Occupational Therapy Recommended Gift Ideas for All Ages
  • Ultimate Guide to Occupational Therapy Resources for Kids 
  • The Importance of Messy Play for Children 
  • Resources for Creating Sensory Diets

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Filed Under: Sensory & Behavior Tagged With: Autism, For Parents, Sensory, SPD

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CONTENT DISCLAIMER: Heather Greutman is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
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Comments

  1. Kristen from The Road to Domestication says

    December 19, 2013 at 3:51 pm

    Fantastic tips! Sharing with my mom-friends!

    Reply
    • Heather Greutman says

      December 22, 2013 at 9:43 pm

      Thanks Kristen!

      Reply
  2. Lara M says

    December 20, 2013 at 10:56 am

    Thank you for linking up! There are great tips!

    Reply
    • Heather Greutman says

      December 22, 2013 at 9:43 pm

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  3. Natasha says

    October 29, 2014 at 11:00 am

    This are Great tips even for children without any underlying issues. I’m 30 and I have breakdowns from to much going on during the holiday’s.

    Reply
  4. Anastasia @ Montessori Nature says

    December 8, 2015 at 9:39 am

    These are amazing strategies that are very practical and very effective! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

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