Brew #3: HSC Travel Magic & Airport Sanctuary Spots

Author

Jill Gilbert
November 07, 2024

Raising Highly Sensitive Kids. No Filter.

A Special Message…

Sometimes life has a way of showing us profound truths through unexpected teachers. I had planned to write about something else this week, but my heart is full of a different story I need to share.

We lost my dad this week. The kind of loss that feels like the ground beneath your feet has shifted. But in this time of deep grief, I witnessed something extraordinary through Brody, my HSC – something that brought both tears and a profound sense of wonder.

You see, Brody wasn't just processing his own grief for his beloved grandpa. In a way that took my breath away, he became my unexpected anchor. Through his deep-feeling nature – the very trait that can make everyday life feel overwhelming sometimes – he showed me what it means to hold space for someone else's pain while honoring your own.

"We can relish in the memories," he told his grandmother, words so wise they could have come from someone who'd lived several lifetimes. This child, who feels everything so intensely, who sometimes struggles with the weight of his emotions, showed me that sensitivity isn't just about feeling pain more deeply – it's about feeling love more deeply too.

In moments like these, I'm reminded that having a highly sensitive child is truly an extraordinary gift. Yes, our daily lives might include more meltdowns than meetups, more overwhelm than ease. But when these precious moments of profound wisdom and deep empathy emerge – like precious gems breaking through rough stone – they shine with an intensity that takes your breath away. We're the lucky ones, entrusted with these remarkable souls who feel so deeply that they can illuminate the darkest corners of life with their insight and love.

With a full and grateful heart.

Jill

FOUNDER & CEO

HOT OFF THE BLOG

Clever Ways to Keep Your Child Entertained While Traveling

Traveling with kids is an adventure (to say the least) and keeping them entertained on long journeys can be challenging. From engaging games to creative activities, we’ve compiled a treasure trove of practical tips to make your family trips smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you're planning a road trip or a long flight, these insights will help you transform travel time into quality bonding moments. Discover how to keep your kids happy and occupied while creating lasting memories on your next adventure!

WORTH YOUR FOLLOW

Christel Estrada, owner of Surviving to Thriving Parenthood, is a resilient advocate for change and transformation. After overcoming numerous challenges in her life, Christel chose to rewrite her story and empower others to do the same. As a specialist in emotional regulation and connection, she now guides families worldwide on how to achieve emotional stability, break free from toxic cycles, and create environments where they can live happy and thriving lives. Christel’s mission is to positively disrupt the way we parent to raise more resilient and compassionate kids. Her specialty? Helping parents become the version of themselves they've always wanted to be for their kids and (of course) emotional regulation.

Speaking of which, Christel's got something special brewing – she's launching a mini-course on November 29th that's all about moving from yelling to connecting, available at a sweet early-bird price of $45 (normally $98). Make sure you follow her on Instagram so you don’t miss it!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Sleighing The Highly Sensitive Holidays

SAVE THE DATE
NOVEMBER 21 @ 6:00PM PST

Did you just hear Mariah Carey floating through your living room and feel that familiar holiday anxiety creeping in? I see you. While everyone else is decking the halls, you're already strategizing how to handle the sensory overwhelm, the well-meaning relatives, and those "helpful" suggestions about your highly sensitive child.

But here's the thing: This year can be different. Keep an eye on your inbox – in the next couple of days, you'll receive an exclusive invitation to "Sleighing the Highly Sensitive Holidays," a 90-minute power workshop where we'll transform your holiday chaos into connection. No more winging it, no more hoping for the best. Just practical, proven strategies for creating celebrations that work for your whole family (yes, really!).

✨ Stay tuned – something special is coming your way! ✨

News & Research

ON THE RADAR

Introducing Airport Sensory Rooms: A New Era of Calm in Travel

As airports grow busier and travel becomes increasingly accessible, a new trend is emerging to support passengers with sensory sensitivities: sensory rooms. These specialized spaces are designed to provide a calming refuge for travelers, particularly children, who may find the typical airport environment overwhelming. By providing quiet zones with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and calming activities, airports are helping to make travel more accessible and enjoyable for all.

🩷 OUR TWO CENTS

We are so happy that airports are creating spaces that can help ease the stress of travel, reshaping the experience for families with sensitive children. Check out the list of airports that have sensory rooms in the article, hopefully there is one near you!

Weekly Poll

What’s the most challenging part of traveling with your child?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

The

ESSENTIALS

Traditional headphones can feel like a vice grip on little ears. These soft, adorable headphones are so cozy your child might just drift off to dreamland while jamming to that Disney playlist they can never get enough of!

CozyPhones for Kids
Kids Headband with Headphones

WHY WE LOVE IT

First, these headbands are absolutely adorable (because who says sensory tools can't be cute?). But more importantly, unlike those clunky traditional headphones that can overwhelm sensitive kiddos, these provide gentle, cozy comfort. In a season filled with jingle bells, excited cousins, and endless holiday bustle, they're like giving your child their own little calm bubble.

WHAT IT’S USEFUL FOR

From airplane engine roar to cousin-chaos at holiday gatherings, these headphones are your secret weapon for sensory regulation on-the-go. They work perfectly with airplane seats (no more awkward head positioning!), provide calming compression during overwhelm, and the volume-limiting feature means one less thing for you to worry about.

PRO-TIPS

Order early and let your child wear them around the house first – getting comfortable with new items takes time for our HSCs. Have them pick their favorite design for buy-in, and pack a backup pair if traveling (trust us on this one). The wireless option is clutch for squirmy kiddos who tangle in cords.

Just for Moms

MOM’S PLAYLIST

kevin can wait airplane GIF by CBS

Your Holiday Travel Sanity Playlist

You did it! Packed suitcases for everyone ✓ Airport chaos ✓ TSA drama ✓ Sensory meltdowns managed ✓

Now you're finally buckled in, your kiddo is somewhat zen with their CozyPhones, and it's your moment. Queue up our "Mom's Off-Duty" playlist—think chill piano and guitar covers of all your pre-mom concert favorites from the 80s to Y2K—and breathe deep while you manifest that flight attendant with the wine cart.

You've got this, mama. 🎧✨

What We’re Doing

CURRENT FAVORITE

NEW! KultureCity App

JUST RELEASED! As the nation's leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility, you may have heard of KultureCity before. Maybe you have even seen them at a concert giving out sensory kits. Well now they are launching a game-changing app for sensory sensitive kids!

The app's standout feature? Social stories that prepare our little ones for new experiences! These visual guides explain what to expect in various settings, reducing anxiety and boosting confidence for our HSCs. The app also includes an “AI talker" for kids who struggle with expressing themselves verbally.

We hope you enjoyed this email from a cuppa momsense.