Hello Everyone,

I wanted to introduce myself as many of you I have not met. My name is Kara Hyatt and I am a therapist (OTA) from Kidworks Therapy Services. I want to start off by saying how amazing it has been to see parents reaching out to each other and providing great support. From time to time I have tried my best to chime in and provide ideas as I have filtered through the emails. However there have been many times when I planned on responding, but by the time I was available to write back the questions had been answered by numerous other parents. I can’t describe how delighted I have been to have a place to reference parents to in hopes of providing a place for them to find people who are going through the same things. It seems to be a great place to relate, share information or simple make some wonderful new friends.

I look forward to meeting you all as I would like to come join a coffee chat or meeting one day soon. Below I would like to share with you some great ideas for the holiday season.

Kara Hyatt

Tips for enjoying a Sensory Friendly Holiday Season

Wow, is it really that time of year again?  It is and as I begin to think about the excitement of the next couple of months I also begin to think about my kiddos (all the amazing children I work with) and their families as this time of the year can be very difficult.  Changes in schedules, the house full of people, overwhelming smells, and loud noises lead to chaos and or an extremely difficult time for some children (and adults) . In saying that I decided to take a moment to provide a few ideas and helpful hints in hopes of making the season relaxing and enjoyable for all.

 I personally must say that even thinking back to when I was a child this time of year was very difficult. I was expected to dress up, put on hose, and deal with an abnormally big bow in my hair. Not to mention sit at the table for extended amounts of time, be the giver or receiver of hugs and kisses from every family member, many of which I had no idea who they were and my least favorite, sit on Santa’s lap whom I actually always thought was rather creepy.  In saying that I’d like to take a moment to remind all parents to really take some time to think about venturing away from the ideals within our society.

So what if you don’t get that amazing family portrait with everyone looking all cute and dainty. Is it really a necessity to venture to the loud, crowded mall to sit on the strange mans lap? Who actually leaves the mall during this time of the year feeling relaxed and organized anyways? Why not instead start new traditions? Everyone gets to wear pajamas or their favorite comfy clothes to the holiday Christmas party. How about taking a picture with your favorite Christmas gift for the year?

All in all I know there are many situations that are unavoidable and will no doubt be stressful for any child. In saying that here are some helpful ideas to decrease the stress.

Traveling Ideas:

• The airport is by far one of the craziest places to venture during this time of year.  One great idea I have suggested to several of my parents is to create a sensory book. This book can be made utilizing pictures available on yahoo, Google, etc. Create a book that you and your child can look at prior to the “real thing,” that reviews all of the things that they will see when you actually head to the airport. Try to incorporate all of the senses. Things you will see, hear, touch, taste and smell.  Utilizing this book on the big day can actually turn into quite a fun game! Another suggestion is to do a mock trial of the security at the airport. Set up 2 chairs and create a pretend scanner for the child to walk through. Don’t forget you have to take off your shoes! Beep.. Beep.. You must have left something in your pocket! Reverse. Let’s try it again!

* This can be done in any situation. Books and reenactment are a grade way to prepare your child.  Lastly don’t forget all the essentials. Quiet games, puzzles, stories, movies etc.. It’s amazing how long flights and or layovers can be!

Food Ideas:

• The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year because of the sole reason I prepare myself to eat until I can’t move. However many children are completely thrown off by the unexpectedness of new food, tastes and textures.  So what if they choose cereal for their Thanksgiving feast! Here are some ideas to make food fun during the holidays.
• Cook with the kids! Get messy and have a little fun. A food fight never hurt anyone and what if they accidentally tasted something that ended up being quite tasty in the mist of it all? Bake something for dad or grandma. They won’t mind if it looks a little funny!  Make a turkey out of cookies. Use candy corn for funny feathers. Will grandma know what animal you made?
• Another great idea is to make and or decorate place mats. Adding games, mazes, dots to dots are great way to deal with those extended amounts of time children are expected to sit at the table.  Do the kids really have to sit at the table that long anyway? I know by the time I make it to the table I’m usually stuffed already from sneaking bites of everything.

Gift Ideas:

• One great idea I heard a parent talking about last year was to have Santa bring gifts for each child wrapped in their favorite wrapping paper.  You can add a special note to Santa in your wish list that you would love to have you presents with your favorite paper J . This will help eliminate the scrambling and screaming for the next gift when you know exactly whose is whose.

Game Ideas for the Holiday Season:

• Another great idea that I utilized with my nephews last year was turning a complete melt down over a simple chore into Winter Olympics.  Who’s to say shooting dirty laundry into the hamper basket cant double as an athletic sport? What about hockey with pans or brooms?  Or my favorites is figure skating while you clean up the room. Each and every cleaning experience can turn into a magical performance.

Having an escape plan:

• Being prepared in any situation to make and exit or take a quick break is essential.  I know a great place in my grandmother’s backyard when I need some fresh air! Be mindful of the items that reduce your child’s stressors. Earmuffs, chewy, squishy, sunglasses or even a pre-determined break area in any house or place you may be venturing to.

All in all be mindful of the triggers that affect your child. Think outside the box. Sometimes no matter how you prepare, unexpected tragic events may and usually will occur. Keep your head up, take a deep breath and make note of it because next year you will be prepared.

Lets face it! Many of the silly traditions and or activities we do during this time of year are for the kids! Why make the memories painful, they should be happy!

I wish you all the most relaxing and peaceful holiday season! I’d like to extend a special thanks and tremendous gratitude to Sarah Cross for her hard work in creating a place where parents can share in the joys and struggles of raising children with sensory needs.