Fireworks can be a fun and exciting part of summer for families. If you have a sensory sensitive child it can be hard to enjoy this activity and your child may feel left out if they don’t get to go. Coping with fireworks for your sensory sensitive child just takes a few tricks that can help them stay calmer so everyone can have fun.
- Find the base of your child’s struggles and work to meet those needs. Be ready with several tools handy so you don’t need to panic when one doesn’t work. Stay calm and focus on your child’s needs rather than the frustration that comes from dealing with an overstimulated individual.
- A weighted blanket, lap pad, or vest can be an invaluable tool for helping your child cope with fireworks. These weighted devices give your child a calming bit of pressure that can help them feel safer when the fireworks are making out sounds and shaking the air around them.
- Noise-canceling headphones can be a great asset when coping with fireworks and a sensory sensitive child. Instead of stressing out over the sounds of the fireworks you can dim or even block the sound so they can enjoy the light show.
- For many, the smell of sulfur coming from the fireworks can be a trigger for anxiety. If you have a sensory sensitive child it can be a recipe for disaster. One great trick is to offer your child mask with calming essential oil that they enjoy. This will filter out the smell of the fireworks and leave them smelling something they find calming and enjoyable instead. For children that are willing to wear a mask, it can be the difference between a bad night and a great fireworks show.
- Avoid taking a tired child to the fireworks. When your child is overly tired it can make it harder for them to deal with sensory issues.
Keep your child close so if they react to the fireworks you are nearby to help them cope and deal with any issues or meltdowns that may come from the activity.
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