The Sage Village

Barefoot play is so important - and not just for young children but teens and adults too. Check out this free resource to understand why and how you can benefit

Free 30 Barefoot Play Ideas and Training

A great idea to try with your little ones

EYFS Winter Wanderlust Outdoor Planning

Christmas and Sensory Overwhelm - from a Paediatric OT

Here's the thing. Kids don't really worry about the THINGS. Babies & children's brains are wired for social INTERACTION & human LOVE- they will far appreciate your interaction & moments of shared joy, than the receiving of objects, toys, & more things.

It is lovely to treat children & get in the spirit, but don't forget it can also become a huge source of worry, stress & pressure for parents, as well as contributing factor to sensory overwhelm /overload for children (and adults) alike. ⁠

During this time of year our environments can change dramatically & can often include:⁠
🎄Lots of noise/busyness - visual stimulation like decorations, trees, lights, as well as a lot of auditory stimulation through music & Christmas songs⁠
🎄Social gatherings with an expectation on behaviour
🎄Later nights & routines altered
🎄Eating more sugar based products such as chocolate, sweets and cake⁠
🎄Parents/adults frequent reminders & threats to report behaviour & added pressure to perform
🎄The excitement/hype of waking up to what the cheeky elf has got up to over night, which can lead to anxiety & stress over the lack of control of their environment
🎄Lots of NEW things - yes amazing gifts but children cannot always process all of the things

How can we support our children & us through this time?

❤️Schedule in down time
❤️Spread festive events out across the holiday rather than all at once
❤️Think about boundaries for you & your family and know its ok to say No- always ask your self "do I want to do this or do I feel I have too?"
❤️Consider the time you are going to spend at events - does it serve you & your children to stay the full time or can you leave a bit earlier and happier?
❤️Carry "sensory" or "calming" activities with you - a book, essential oil play dough, fidget toy, a soft toy, chewy/crunchy snacks (they can help regulate the nervous system)
❤️Offer lots of hugs to help regulate
❤️ Put children in comfortable clothes (I know its tempting to dress them up but this can add to the sensory overload)

Try & remember that Christmas is for you & yours. There's magic in the stillness too.

This is a great reminder 💖🎄💖

Graphic from Christmascountdown.uk