Sensory Safe Valentine’s Day Party
Sensory Safe Valentine’s Day Party
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, which means most school-age children are going to have a classroom party. Although parties can be fun, they can also be stressful and overstimulating especially for children with sensory needs. You may not be able to control the loud and busy environment, but there are a few other things you can do to help prepare your child.
Talk it out: Take some time with your child to talk about what they can expect at the Valentines Day party. You know your child best and can help them have clear expectations for their day. This is also a good time to review with your child what they can do at the party if they are starting to feel overstimulated.
Pack extra items: If you know your child could benefit from having additional items to help them get through the day, make sure they have these items in their bag and that they know where they are. Here are a few items you may want to pack.
Headphones: The classroom will likely be louder than a typical day, so it can be helpful to have a set of headphones for your child to wear if they get overstimulated by loud environments.
Fidget: Fidgets can be helpful for children who have fast-paced minds, appear to be distracted easily, or get anxious or overstimulated.
Comfort stuffed animal/toy: If your child tends to get anxious or overstimulated, having a comfort item from home can offer a way for them to feel more safe and calm.
Familiar Smell: There might be a lot of new or overwhelming smells present. Is there something your child likes to smell, that they find comforting? If so, send it with them.
Sunglasses or visual obstruction: Parties can have a lot of visual stimuli. Sunglasses, or a cloth that the child can use to put over their eyes can be very calming and support the child in limiting some of the stimuli while still being able to participate in the party.
Favorite snack: There are likely lots of candies and sweet foods present at a party. If your child does not like these foods or may eat too many it is a good idea to pack a favorite healthy snack that will support their regulated state.
Communicate with their teacher: If you anticipate your child may become overstimulated with all of the additional stimuli a classroom party brings, let their teacher know. Communicating with the teacher can help set your child up for success and allows you to share if you plan to send extra items for your child.
Be a classroom volunteer (if able): Depending on your child’s classroom and your schedule, there may be an opportunity for you to volunteer for your child’s classroom party.
Allow your child to decompress: Although your child may have a great time at their classroom party, being in a loud and busy classroom environment can take a lot of energy out of them. Make sure you allow your child additional time to decompress when they get home from school that day.
We hope that you all have a fabulous Valentine’s Day and successful parties filled with connections and relationships.