Sensory Sensitive Summer Fun!
Summertime is winding down, and we’re squeezing in our last-minute trips. This time of year can be magical, and we want to make sure it’s the best yet. Our sensory-sensitive kiddos are a bit more prone to getting overwhelmed with new situations. What are you going to do to ensure they aren’t sensory overwhelmed during these fun end-of-summer events? Let’s make visiting beaches, parks, taking road trips, and seeing family a great time for everyone in the family!
Here are a few ideas to make things just a little easier!
Sensory-Sensitive Tips for Road Trips
Remember to bring sensory tools such as sunglasses, handheld fidgets (travel games, squeeze toys, etc.), a car shade to block the bright sun, favorite calming music that you both can tolerate, and a package of gum to stave off carsickness.
Sensory-Sensitive Tips for the Beach
It’s never getting in the water and rolling around in the sand that’s the issue—it’s when you’re heading home. One of my favorite tricks for leaving the beach is to bring along a few gallon bottles of hot water.
Fill jugs with super hot water before you leave home. By the time you want to use them, the water will be lukewarm. This is great for getting all that extra sand off the kids in the parking lot (one gallon per person is perfect).
I also bring along a piece of fake grass to put on the ground when they’re showering off! It gives them a clear boundary of where to stand, and it’s pretty comfy on their little toes.
Sensory-Sensitive Tips for Visiting Family
When visiting family, remember that your sensory-sensitive kiddo will need a little more support. Bringing along some of their favorite foods can help those who are picky eaters.
Think ahead. Remind relatives that your touchy tot doesn’t love lots of extra kisses on their face or pats on their head. Make sure you pre-plan with your kiddo by teaching them to use their tools when needed. Help them take a break in a quiet room or back in the hotel room if necessary. This will help them get through the challenging parts of being around all the people, noises, and touch experiences.
Planning ahead to prevent meltdowns is key to enjoying your end-of-summer vacation!
Need a little support wrapping up the summer on a high note? Give Therapeeps Occupational Therapy a call at (605)-204-0677 or complete our intake form. At Therapeeps, we love helping families problem-solve sensory challenges while having fun building daily life skills. Check out more tips to perfect your summer routine here!
