The 4th of July is filled with great food, friends/family time and events filled with fireworks. For some children, that is exciting and energizing. For others, it is a sensory overload that can become uncomfortable and overwhelming. Managing sensory sensitivities is crucial for those sensory sensitive children to sit back, relax, and enjoy the 4th of July! Read more below about tips/tricks/things to do to help and prepare your children.

Prepare for loud Noises

It is inevitable that on the 4th of July the fireworks and other celebration activities are going to be making loud booming noises. However, there are some things that can help and prepare your child.

1) Use noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs
Having your child use these will significantly reduce the impact of loud fireworks, crowd noises or other sounds. Make sure you test them beforehand to ensure comfort and that your child will tolerate wearing them before you are in the thick of the action. My recommendation for brands that offer kid friendly earplugs are Loop and Flare Audio and for noise-cancelling headphones I recommend the PuroQuiet.

2) Explain fireworks in advance
Read a social story to familiarize your child with what fireworks look and sound like. Watch a video to prepare and show your child what the fireworks will look and sound like.

3) Choose a distant viewing spot.
Watch fireworks from a quieter location or be further away from the display to reduce the intensity of noise while still being able to enjoy the visuals.

Manage Visual Overload

Some children may thrive on the visuals of fireworks or some may experience a visual overload. If visuals are sensitivities to your child you can take some steps to help minimize visual overload.

1) Use sunglasses or tinted glasses
Bright and flashing lights can cause discomfort and an overwhelming feeling in some children. Getting polarized or tinted glasses can help. A brand I recommend for glasses is TheraSpecs.

2) Create a calm space
If the event you are attending is in public, creating a calm space for your child can eliminate some of the outside sensory disruptors. You can bring a pop-up tent, a weighted blanket or find an area that is calm that you can retreat to if needed. The pop-up tent from Dreamtrue is lightweight, easy to manage and portable to bring with you!

Prepare for Late Nights and Routine Disruptions

During celebrations and events, routines can be different and disruptive to the typical daily schedule. Some things you can do to prepare are:

1) Create a Comfort Kit
Be prepared for your child and have items that are familiar to them. Pack familiar snacks, drinks, toys to create consistency and familiarity in an unfamiliar setting. Include sensory tools such as fidget toys, weighted blankets or chewies to provide calming oral stimulation during stressful moments. A brand of chewies that are great are made by ark.

2) Maintain familiar routines when possible
Even if your night runs late, it is important to incorporate familiar night time routines, such as reading a story, using a favorite blanket, which will help signal to your child it is time to rest.

3) Plan for flexibility
If your child struggles with schedule changes and unfamiliar routines, prepare them ahead of time by discussing the day’s plan. You can use a visual schedule or calendar to show them the plan and what to expect.