Northwest Psychology Blog

The Holiday Sensory Minefield

11/25/2019

Like it or not, Christmas is fast approaching!

Yep December is here and the holiday celebrations are starting to step up and impact everywhere you go.
Let’s think about that for a minute.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, here in Canada the malls, tv shows, advertisements, radios, houses and the people around you all become sensory minefields for people that may struggle with noises, lights and crowds.

Go to the mall and there are larger crowds, there is music and people singing, there are signs hanging from every available spot and sometimes even people trying to direct you into their store.

Then think about the big guy in the red suit bellowing Ho Ho Ho and approaching children. Think about the drive home and all the flashing lights, think about the radio in the car playing Christmas music all of a sudden. And this is just from going to the mall, even just going to get your groceries becomes a sensory minefield.

Expectations are high, there are lots of events with family, friends and co workers. Your kids are expected to behave during all these times that don't usually happen throughout the year, and certainly not all in such a small space of time. Let that all sink in for a minute, it's a pretty big ask for a small child still finding their way through regular emotions.

Watch For Changes & Be Prepared.

Children are entering the time of sensory overkill, and it can be very disruptive to some of them. You may notice small things like sleep patterns changing, moods changing, or they may just be stimming more than usual.

So what can we do? Let’s face it, unless we stay and hide indoors with the curtains drawn for the next little while there is going to be exposure to all this extra activity. The best course of action is almost always good preparation and communication.

Tell them where you’re going and approximately how long you will be there. Explain to them that there will be all these potentially unexpected things going on. But also explain to them it is a celebration and they are completely safe.

Let them know that they can come to you if they feel overwhelmed and have a planned strategy for what you may do, or where you may take them if it gets too much.

Perhaps just a visit to the quiet bathroom with you, maybe you can step outside the nearest exit for a short period, or it could be that they just need to sit with you and have a cuddle until they’re ready to keep moving. You know your child best and you know what helps them effectively regulate when not at home.

Planning strategies for these outings will help make them much more enjoyable for them (and you).

Helping Can Be Easy

Finally, please consider all these things when you see a child looking distressed, when there is a parent looking like they are having a rough time coping themselves, or if someone is huddling, flapping, shouting or making other noises to help regulate themselves.

Sometimes a reassuring smile from a stranger says "You've got this, you're doing amazing" and can turn someones day right around ... from just a simple show of compassion and support. Plus, a smile costs nothing.

Wishing everyone a safe and successful holiday season from everyone here at Northwest Psychology Calgary.