Category: Education

My oldest son, Lukas, turned 9 years old yesterday. We had 13 boys at my house whooshing down the waterslide and giving me the fright of my life. I am not the faint-hearted type but could see myself rushing to the hospital with a broken arm or something. Thanks goodness, after 3 hours of fun and boisterous testosterone I could send them all home unscathed and sat down with a relieved sigh to have a chilled glass of wine with a friend.

I looked at these 13 boys playing and was again reminded of the fact that they just want to play. The occupation of children is PLAY! Do we really give them enough time, space and opportunity to do this? I think not. Therefore, since we are all hopefully unwinding towards the end of another year, I am going to dedicate this blog to harnessing the ability to play for our children during the holidays.

Use the senses to have fun and stimulate your child’s development at the same time:

• Have a sensory party:
  When Lukas turned 3, I organized him a “sensory party”. I bought a few cans of shaving cream (among a few other sensory tricks up my sleeve) and after stripping down to the bare basics the boys were white from head to toes; and loving every second of it.
• Less is more:
  Believe it or not, I think birthday parties are some of the most sensory overloaded activities for children. And although some may love it, our sensory sensitive souls find it extremely anxiety provoking and often kick up a huge fuss about it. To top it all, they get fed loads of sugar, preservatives and junk which further exaggerate the problem. Therefore to make birthday parties easier for them:
  • Go for smaller birthday parties or outside in nature which are not so noisy
  • Feed your kids before the party; they will eat less junk
  • Go first and leave first – that way your child can ease into it and withdraw when it gets too much
  • Outside birthday parties are also easier to deal with than inside.  The sensory overload and related noise levels are often lower when outside in nature rather in a building.

Birthday parties should be fun – consider your child’s needs carefully when arranging it for them or taking them as guests.

Starting a new standard and/or new school in January is often a huge transition which leaves many children anxious, stressed and tearful. Be mindful that this is a reality, a little bit like you going to to your first day at a new job. It is daunting and we do not know what to expect. Even if children just jump a standard that still means a new challenge, new classroom, new classmates and a new teacher.

Anticipate emotional responses:
As the holidays start coming to an end, gently let your child know when the holidays will be ending. You and your child can clean and get their things ready for the new term. This will help them mentally prepare for the new term at their pace. Talk about the new environment and give as much information as possible. Be positive yourself and tell your child that it is going to be great! Your enthusiasm will instil a sense of safety for them.

Preparing with the first day:
In the morning of the first day back, make sure that the familiar get-up and/or breakfast routine is back in place. You may need to provide some calming (back-rub, pushing against the wall or drink breakfast juice through a straw), organizing (chew on bagels or dried apricots) and/or alerting (eating a crunchy apple or playing lively music) activities to manage and decrease stress in your child. Try to be slightly early for school so that your child doesn’t feel rushed into school and has time to get his or her bearings for the new environment.

Unwinding from the first day:
When you pick up your child after school help him/her reflect on the day and discuss how they are doing. When at home, provide your child the time to do something to self-regulate. This may be listening quietly to music or building Lego in their room, jumping on a trampoline or playing rugby with a brother. If they are unable to pick an appropriate calming activity, play a board game or build a puzzle with them or go for a walk round the block with them. This will help them to identify what regulates them and have quality time with you.