Navigating busy events or changes in routine can be challenging for kids, especially for kids who thrive on predictability and structure. With some thoughtful preparation and support, we can help them feel more secure and enjoy the experience. Here’s our top tips:
1. Understand and Respect Their Needs
Every child is different, so consider their unique preferences and sensitivities. Do they struggle with new environments? Are they easily overwhelmed by noise or crowds? Knowing their individual differences can help you plan ahead. For instance, if you know typically they have difficulty doing ‘new things, ’ you could discuss use visuals or pictures to map out what the new scenario might look like or role-play or have conversations about what they can expect. Or, if you know your kids might struggle with loud sounds and noises, you could prepare them for the Christmas carol by making a plan together where if they indicate or you notice they are becoming overwhelmed, have a secret code word, or make a plan to retreat to a quiet spot.
2. Reflect on Their Body Budget
Before heading into busy events, take a moment to consider your child’s “body budget” (you can read our blog on this). This concept refers to their physical, emotional, and sensory reserves, which can be depleted quickly in overstimulating environments. To help your child stay regulated, think about what “deposits” you can make before the event to strengthen their capacity to handle the demands.
- Sensory input: Activities like swinging, jumping, or deep pressure hugs can provide calming and organizing sensory feedback.
- Connection: Spending quality time together, even for 10 minutes, can help them feel emotionally secure and grounded.
Tools like the Ready for Yoga Program are perfect for adding sensory-rich and calming activities into their day. Similarly, the Connection Journal offers a meaningful way to strengthen your relationship through reflective activities and shared moments, ensuring your child feels supported and connected.
3. Stick to Basics and Routine
Even during busy times, maintaining some regularity—like bedtime routines or meal schedules—can provide stability. If a full routine isn’t possible, focus on the basics: food, hygiene, and sleep.
4. Give Warning and Lead Time
Surprises or springing new changes on them last minute can be overwhelming for kids. Whenever possible, give them plenty of notice about upcoming events or changes. Use tools like visual schedules, countdowns, or simple conversations to prepare them.
5. Offer Choice and Control
Kids feel more secure when they have some autonomy. Let them make small decisions, such as choosing what to wear, what to pack, or which activity to try first. Validate what feels important to them without imposing adult expectations.
6. Prioritise Communication
During hectic times, kids may need extra reassurance. Keep instructions simple, especially if they’re overwhelmed and remember that auditory processing can decrease when they’re dysregulated, meaning when you have asked them 10 times and they are still not listening- they probably can’t.
Try, getting on their level when speaking, use firm but gentle touches if they find it grounding as you talk with them, or add a level of fun and play to what you need to communicate.
7. Prioritise Safety
Ensure there’s a “safe person” or a quiet place where they can retreat if things feel too overwhelming. Especially when kids are in new environments with people they are not familiar with or family members they have not seen in a long time. Often, kids won’t take long to feel comfortable in the new environment with these people however it’s always good to remind them who they can go to or that you are here until they feel comfortable. This could be a trusted adult, a quiet room, or even a calming activity they enjoy.
8. Recognize and Respond to Overstimulation
Signs of overstimulation, like whining, difficulty transitioning, or becoming withdrawn, are signals that your child’s nervous system is struggling. Remember by the time a child is showing even the smallest signs, their nervous systems are already starting to become flooded with overwhelm. Step back, reduce sensory input, or provide calming strategies like deep breaths, hugs, or a change of scenery where you can. For example, you are at the shopping centre, and you notice early signs of overwhelm, see if you can find a quiet spot for 10 minutes away from the crowds and provide some co-regulation for example, a breathing activity together, some deep pressure squishes or a firm hug, some back tickles, a moment together in silence.