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Sensory Friendly 4th of July

July 3, 2024

Fourth of July is such a fun, family friendly holiday but the traditional celebrations (fireworks, parades, etc.) can be difficult to tolerate for some. Between the unexpected visual and auditory input from fireworks, to the unexpected tactile input from walking through crowds or going to the beach, typical Fourth of July celebrations can quickly become overwhelming. Many of my clients have sensory aversions to loud noises, bright lights, and unexpected touch which can keep them from celebrating with their peers during the summer holiday. However, there are so many ways to celebrate and tips and tricks to help support your child (or yourself!) while still having fun. Here are a few of my go to strategies and tips for making the most of the summer holiday!

1. Add in Heavy Work!

Proprioceptive input (or heavy work activities like crashing, jumping, pushing, pulling, and jumping) is a great way to calm the nervous system and help keep our brains from switching into fight, flight or freeze mode when presented with unexpected (but benign) sensory input like the boom of fireworks. Try swimming during the day, playing at the park, jumping on a trampoline, playing with water balloons, riding bicycles, or building sand castles at the beach and click here to learn more about things to do at the beach to support your child’s development. Incorporating activities that require movement and heavy work throughout the day can greatly support self-regulation.

2. Take Breaks.

Give your child time to themselves and rest throughout the day in a cool, quiet place, so by the time fireworks or those 4th of July barbeques roll around, you and your kiddo are in the best possible regulated state.

3. Plan Ahead.

Pack your child’s safety nets. Whether it’s a preferred toy, blanket, sensory fidgets, or snacks – pack ahead so if a meltdown happens, you’re prepared. I would also recommend identifying a quiet space where you and your child can retreat to if needed. This could be your car, a room in the house, or a shady spot at the park.

4. Make Accommodations.

You know your child best. If watching fireworks live and in person is too much for your child to handle, try finding a hilltop or parking lot farther away to watch from, or try watching them on TV. Or try packing noise canceling headphones to block out some of the extra sound.

5. Frontload.

Talk your child through what the celebrations will be like, and explain as much as possible what will happen. Your child may have questions or concerns that will help you best pack and prepare for the event.

6. Go Easy.

Go easy on yourself and your child. Sometimes with holidays, we can be really excited and build the celebrations up in our heads, expecting a perfect (or near perfect) day, and if something doesn’t go as expected, it can be challenging to rebound and still have fun. Try your best to be present and expect some bumps in the road. It will still be a positive experience and memory for your family however you spend it, because you’re there together.

At Valued Voices, we hope that you have a wonderful time celebrating with your family. Should you have any concerns or questions about your child’s unique sensory processing or development, please reach out to schedule a complimentary consultation.

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SHOLEH SHAHINFAR

M.A. CCC-SLP, RYT

Sholeh Shahinfar is the Founder of Valued Voices, a licensed Speech Language Pathologist, Child Communication Specialist and Certified Oral Motor Therapist. She is passionate about uplifting children’s voices in the world and inspiring self-expression. In her free time, Sholeh embraces a vegan lifestyle, loves going to the ocean, exploring nature with her pup Kobe, practicing yoga, traveling, and spending time with her loved ones.

KAELYN GREEN

Kaelyn Green is a licensed occupational therapist at Valued Voices. She is certified by the University of Southern California in Sensory Integration and is an advocate for addressing underlying sensory functioning in order to improve occupational performance. She is passionate about meeting children and families where they are at and seeks to tailor interventions to the unique needs of her clients. When she is not working, you will find Kaelyn taking care of her two goldendoodles, working in her garden, or taking trips to the Central Coast.

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