“Getting ready for the holidays” has a different meaning for families of a child with sensory concerns.

When our children were babies, we got used to packing a special bag with all of the essentials for when we went visiting out of state, across town, or even to the neighbors house!

We were conscious of nap schedules, eating schedules and where an appropriate space to change the diapers would be.  Planning ahead of time was typical.  We calculated every possible scenario on the airplane or at the dinner table.  Families of a child with sensory concerns do calculations too.

Of course they are different concerns but still lots of planning ahead is in order.  These families, of course, are well aware that too many people in the room may be a worry, or the smell of Aunt Bonnie’s perfume, or the way Grandma’s dog barks non-stop.

What if I’m in someone else’s home?  How do we prepare for these things?  Think about what you do at home.  What works to prevent a meltdown?  Maybe Grandma wouldn’t mind if you brought a small trampoline or a beanbag chair for a crash pad.

Ask your host in advance if you are able to set up an environment that your child could use as a retreat as needed.  Take the items that you would normally have for soothing and self-regulation.

If you feel comfortable, have a few “accomplices” to help you watch for those triggers.  Remember to make things as predictable as possible for your child.  Sometimes having some familiar items can be comforting.

Allowing your child several breaks to be alone or to calm with you present, could possibly extend the visit.  Think about bringing along a familiar plate, fork, and cup.  Being around  a lot of people during the holidays can be stressful enough, so sometimes planning ahead will alleviate some of those stressors.