26/12/2023
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.
