As I mentioned yesterday, Zoe had an enormous meltdown while dining out in costume on Friday and when she was trick-or-treating, she had trouble keeping her clothes on in 50-felt-like-40 weather. Still ahead of us lies Thanksgiving, Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa, New Years, and the dreaded cold season, which I seem to recall dumped a little snow on us last year. What’s a parent with a child with sensory issues to do?
I have 5 tips handy to share, all of which I’ve used, to keep Zoe warm and happy during this season:
- Keep ’em layered: If it’s even a tiny bit loose above the waste, Zoe won’t wear it, but if it’s tight there is a possibility she’ll keep her shirt on…IF you can get the layers on that is..
- Keep ’em cool: Ratcheting up the heat to high levels in the car or home is not going to help keep that shirt or jacket or whatever on. You don’t want everyone to freeze, but keep the car and the house at a respectable level of coolness. The rest of you can wear sweaters and it’ll save you money anyway.
- Keep ’em busy: Last year we had to replace our car and from the limited selection, we found one with a DVD player. Now, I’d rather NOT see The Squeakquel
any more than I absolutely HAVE to, but I’d rather peace, quiet, and distraction than screaming while I’m driving. But OH how I miss my music! - Keep ’em buckled: The easy solution to this is to continue using a car seat for as long as they will fit in one. In fact, the school bus for Zoe’s preschool uses one, and this makes it hard for her to take her clothes off. It also keeps her nice and safe. In the car, we don’t use one, resorting to tip #3 most times, but they do sell seat belt locks
- Keep ’em in. There are times when it’s just not worth the battle. Sure, you’d be upset and disappointed, but the holidays are for family and good memories. No one wants a memory of the year one of you cried all the way there, all night long, and thankfully fell asleep on the way back, just like I don’t want the memory of the Christmas Eve I commuted from Manhattan to Staten Island with 104 fever. Family IS you and your children, and that’s good enough. There will be other holidays to come.
any more than I absolutely HAVE to, but I’d rather peace, quiet, and distraction than screaming while I’m driving. But OH how I miss my music!
I hope these tips help you, and if not, go ahead and spike that egg nog, LOL!
Connie Corey says
Just a thought, in our van we have a DVD player but we can turn the sound so that the kids have the movie in the back and we can still listen to the radio. I’m not exactly sure how it works, but check your manual.
Also, they sell headphones for the dvd players so that might help, too.
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach says
Love the idea, Keep ’em in because there will be more holidays later on. Thinking about other people is a Very Good Thing indeed!
I’m very lucky in that my kids never whined during minivan trips. Very blessed with that, actually….
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach says
Love the idea, Keep ’em in because there will be more holidays later on. Thinking about other people is a Very Good Thing indeed!
I’m very lucky in that my kids never whined during minivan trips. Very blessed with that, actually….
Jen says
Pack a small bag for each child with some new (inexpensive) toys/activities etc…hand held video games are great, renting “new” movies from the library is a treat, researching silly games to play on the road…tons online!
Jen says
Pack a small bag for each child with some new (inexpensive) toys/activities etc…hand held video games are great, renting “new” movies from the library is a treat, researching silly games to play on the road…tons online!
Lacey says
My youngest son has ASD and SPD so these tips will come in handy. I have found that earplugs or headphones can go along way in preventing a meltdown too. I keep some in my purse just in case. I have a set of earphones (the big ones used for mowing the yard) in the van and if he starts acting as if too much is going on I give them to him and it works everytime.
admin says
Headphones to prevent a meltdown? Now that is a smart idea. Thanks for the tip, Lacey!
Lacey says
My youngest son has ASD and SPD so these tips will come in handy. I have found that earplugs or headphones can go along way in preventing a meltdown too. I keep some in my purse just in case. I have a set of earphones (the big ones used for mowing the yard) in the van and if he starts acting as if too much is going on I give them to him and it works everytime.
admin says
Headphones to prevent a meltdown? Now that is a smart idea. Thanks for the tip, Lacey!
admin says
you’re welcome!
admin says
you’re welcome!