Sensory considerations during the holidays
By Lisseth Reano M.Sc. OT, OT Reg. (Ont.)
The holidays are a wonderful time of the year for family gatherings, shared meals, and fun activities. Nonetheless, for many of our children, this time of the year can be particularly challenging. This might be due to several factors, including changes in routines, loud and busy gatherings, and changes in meals, just to name a few.
For children with sensory challenges, we might see an increase in emotional outbursts due to sensory overload. Here are some tips to make the holiday season more enjoyable for everyone:
1. Quieter Options
Holiday gatherings can be loud and overwhelming for a child with auditory sensitivity. Families and children can consider using noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs to help support this. Additionally, allow children access to a quieter area of the home where they can retreat if needed.
2. Incorporate Preferred Foods
Holiday gatherings often involve different foods, which can be overwhelming for a picky eater. Families and children can consider having their child's familiar foods available to ensure they have something they like to eat to encourage participation during meal time.
3. Check-Ins & Activities
Don’t forget to check in with your child to make sure they are not tired, hungry or thirsty. Children can often miss these cues when the body is in sensory overload. Practice deep breathing with fun cues like “smell the hot cocoa” or “blow out the candle”. Encourage heavy work activities like carrying holiday decorations, vacuuming, or pushing/pulling a laundry basket filled with toys.
Overall, let’s give children credit for their courage when participating in holiday gatherings and activities! We can take our time to relax and recharge using our preferred strategies, and this is the same for parents, caregivers, children, and youth alike. For example, we may give ourselves a big hug using soft cushions and listen to quiet music in our own comfortable space.
Remember, it is okay to say no to certain gatherings or activities if needed. Everyone has different preferences on how to relax and recharge, and we can embrace our uniqueness!
