Summer time is always fun and sometimes challenging for kids with sensory processing difficulties.  As the school year comes to an end, all children get summer fever and become anxious to get out of school.  The school schedule begins to change, the structure they are so use to starts to unravel under their feet and parents are working hard to figure out how to set up their entire summer schedule in order to keep the peace, for the child and the entire family!

Consistency is always the key! Try to keep your schedule as consistent as possible for whose kids who thrive on structure and have a hard time with change. They may respond in different ways to these changes, as some children may become disorganized, others become distressed and try to keep everyone on track with following routines and rules, and others may become silly and or inattentive and the excitement of change and summer gets the best of them. Because kids with sensory processing difficulties are sensitive kids in general, you will often see them respond like their peers, but their actions usually stand out more than others, as they can take these changes and react in a more extreme way.

I have put together some tips for planning vacations, as it can be a great time for all, when you get the chance to go on a family vacation, but as you parents well know, it’s not going to be so great when your child can’t handle the events to come!

Preparing for a vacation:

If you are working with a sensory therapist it would be very helpful to ask them what tips they have for you to plan for a specific vacation, as they know the in’s and out’s of your child’s sensory difficulties.

-You may want to come up with a child-friendly itinerary to help alleviate the stress of the unknown.

-Think about your child’s sensory aversions and ways to avoid or minimize them in advance (especially with travel, or sleeping in a different place)

-Think about your child’s sensory preferences and how you can make sure to get the most sensory input into your child’s day, to make sure they feel good, which results in everyone else having a good day (physical activity, spinning, going to a park, rough housing, massage, chewy foods, quiet time, do you need to pack certain toys/a favorite blanket, oral calmers, fidgets, squeeze toys, playdough, or a Wilbarger protocol brush for calming?).

- Think about the foods your child will be around and what type of foods may affect your child’s behavior in a negative way, and plan to have your own food accommodations in advance… (health food store nearby, packing basic foods, finding a place to cook if needed)

Once you are on vacation:

-Try to keep their sleeping and eating schedule the same

-Plan for sensory breaks built in throughout the day (to prevent over-stimulation or over-tiredness)

-Plan to incorporate sensory and self-regulation activities into your daily routines (have opportunities for movement, quiet time, a change of clothes, chewing objects, etc…to prevent meltdowns based on what makes your child’s nervous system stressed)

-Refer to your schedule each day, or more often if needed to help keep your child feeling organized and in control

-Make sure you have your child’s special food/drinks, toys, and any special devices recommended for sensory alerting or calming each day when you leave for an outing.

In general, plan to be flexible and don’t sweat the small stuff! Your attitude and stress level will set the tone for your trip.  Work to be calm and organized before and during your trip so you can be an effective parent for your sensory sensitive child. So, be in the right mind set to have a great vacation and you will!

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