5 Tips to Prepare Your Sensory Sensitive Child for a Change in Seasons
Bare
tree limbs are beginning to sprout green leaves as we replace snowy sledding
Saturdays for sandbox castle Sundays.
The transition from winter to spring may mean warmer weather, longer daylight
hours and more outdoors play. But for children with sensory sensitivity, a new
season brings several new adaptations.
“We
should remember to be patient and understanding, these children are not being
defiant or 'naughty' and will look to us parents, teachers, therapists, etc.
for help during these transitions.” — According to Danielle Lloyd, Occupational
Therapist at Little Lukes.
Here are 5 tips to help prepare your child for the calendar change.
1. Wear
Spring Clothing Early
“A
lot of the changes that come with a new season can have a bigger impact on
children with sensitivities to sensory input,” says Danielle. Children with
sensory processing issues are highly sensitive to textures, especially when it
comes to the clothes. To make the transition smoother for your child, expose
him or her to softer apparel choices ahead of time before they are required to
wear it. Even if spring isn’t for a few weeks, getting them comfortable to
feeling different fabrics on their skin while in the home will ease the
sensitivity when it comes time to start wearing the clothing outside.
2. Allow
Them The Space to Explore Different Options
Take
some time to prepare your child’s spring wardrobe by letting them try on each
clothing item at their own pace. This process can be important if your child
has a hard time getting dressed. It helps to stick to one room in the house
when it comes time to get dressed to build trust and familiarity with the
process.
3. Develop a Routine
Creating
a ritual to make getting dressed for school or going out predictable removes
some hassle and guesswork. If there’s already a dressing process involved, keep
the same order. Sometimes, sensory sensitive children like to get dressed by
following a routine, underwear first, then shirt, pants, socks, etc. in a way
that makes it easier for them.
4. Prevent
Allergies
“We
often overlook or embrace these seasonal changes that can be drastic to the
system of a sensory-sensitive child,” says Danielle. Spring is beautiful, but
it’s also a time of year for seasonal allergies come airborne pollen and mold
spores. While preparing your child for a change in seasons may require special
attention, their allergies can make the transition more difficult.
One
in four U.S. children suffer from allergies. Tree pollen is one of the most
common spring allergen leading to allergy symptoms such as sneezing, stuffy
nose and itching. Allergies can complicate the simplest allergies for your
child, from attending school to eating and playing outside. With proper
planning, your child can still find time to participate in fun activities while
combatting allergy symptoms. Find some time to consult with a doctor for allergy
medications to reduce unpleasant situations for your child and consider these
tips:
· Rinse
out allergens from nasal passages daily by using a saline solution such as
Little Noses, Simply Saline or a similar saline-only product.
· Keep
it cool. To keep pollen out when the weather’s hot, air condition your car and
home and keep windows closed.
· Wash
hair and body at the end of each day to remove pollen and other allergens.
· Wash window screens to clear them from pollen and other allergens.
5. Soft
Clothing
Soft,
breathable fabrics make it easier for your child to adapt to the season change.
Sometimes it’s best to keep shirts soft and tag-less to remove irritation.
Since bamboo fabrics are made from viscose, these are some of the softest
fabrics you can find in the world. Soft clothing will be easier on their skin
so they don’t feel it throughout the day, which can distract them and create a
feeling of discomfort.
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Little Lukes
Preschool & Childcare Center is a leading Central New York daycare provider
with five locations. Little Lukes is an early education program whose
credentialed and caring staff specializes in comprehensive infant, toddler and
pre-kindergarten development. Additional services include speech therapy,
physical therapy and occupational therapy for babies, toddlers and preschool
children.
For optimal
protection and safety for both students and staff, our facilities include
keypad security doors and classroom-installed cameras. As a registered daycare
center complying with nationwide regulations, Little Lukes creates a secure and
engaging environment for children to develop and reach their individual goals.
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