Great ideas for ensuring a great summer with your sensory-sensitive kiddo!!
Summertime is a magical time and this year will be even better. Our sensory-sensitive kiddos are just a little bit more prone to getting overwhelmed with new situations. What are you going to do to make sure they are not sensory overwhelmed during fun summer events? Let’s make going to beaches, parks, taking road trips, visiting family a great time for everyone in the family!!
Here are a few ideas to make things just a little easier!
Sensory-Sensitive Kiddo Tips for Road Trips
Remembering to bring sensory tools such as sunglasses, handheld fidgets (travel games, squeeze toys, etc), car shade to block the bright sun in their eyes, favorite calming kid music that you both can tolerate, a package of gum- This staves off carsickness
Sensory-Sensitive Kiddo Tips for the Beach
it never seems to be getting in the water and rolling around in the sand that is the issue! It’s the part when you’re heading home. One of my favorite tricks to going home from the beach bring along a few gallon bottles of hot water.
Put super hot water into the jugs before you leave home. They will be lukewarm by the time you want to use them. This is great for getting all that extra sand off the kids in the parking lot. (1 gallon per person seems perfect).
I also bring along a piece of fake grass to put on the ground when they are showering off! this gives him a clear boundary of where they’re supposed to stand and, it’s pretty comfy on their little toes.
Sensory-Sensitive Kiddo Tips for Visiting Family
When visiting family, don’t forget that your sensory-sensitive kiddo is going to need a little more support. Bringing along some of their favorite food is going to 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. Teach them to use their tools when they need them. Help them take a break in a quiet room or back in the hotel room if they need it. This will help them get through the hard part of being around all the people, noises, size, and touch experiences.
Planning ahead to prevent meltdowns is a great way to enjoy your summer vacation.
