• A Cuppa Momsense
  • Posts
  • Brew #5: Holiday Survival Guide, Meltdown Prevention & Self-Care Magic

Brew #5: Holiday Survival Guide, Meltdown Prevention & Self-Care Magic

Author

Jill Gilbert
November 21, 2024

Raising Highly Sensitive Kids. No Filter.

Hey there,

The holidays have this way of stirring up all sorts of unexpected feelings, don't they? That mix of joy and anticipation, sprinkled with a dash of "how will we handle all of this?" It's like your heart knows the magic that's possible, while your mind is running through all the what-ifs of traveling, traditions, and trying to explain your child's needs to family members who mean well but just don't quite understand.

The beautiful thing about this community is that we understand – really understand – what it means to parent a child who experiences the world more deeply. And this week, we've gathered everything you need to help make this holiday season feel more manageable for both of you.

In this issue:

  • 📅 Visual schedules for navigating routine changes

  • 💫 A game-changing 3-day challenge to strengthen bonds during challenging moments

  • ⏳ Our secret weapon for fewer meltdowns during holiday schedule changes

  • 🧠 Groundbreaking sensitivity research to validate your journey

  • 🎥 The perfect calming show for holiday downtime

  • 💝 Simple strategies for claiming your "you time"

Remember: you're not alone in this journey. Let's make this holiday season work for all of us – sensitive souls included.

Jill

FOUNDER & CEO

HOT OFF THE BLOG

Visual Schedules for Highly Sensitive Children - Your Secret Weapon for Changes in Routine

As school breaks approach, you might notice your highly sensitive child's behavior shifting – maybe more meltdowns, clinginess, or resistance to simple requests. While they might not say it (or even realize it!), the upcoming change in routine from school to break time can stir up big feelings of uncertainty.

That familiar daily rhythm they've come to depend on – whether it's morning drop-offs or afternoon homework time – is about to change, and our sensitive little ones often tell us through their actions rather than their words. This is where visual schedules become such a powerful tool, offering the predictability and sense of security our children need when their usual routine feels wobbly.

WORTH YOUR FOLLOW

When it comes to understanding and supporting highly sensitive children, sometimes we need a fresh perspective that bridges the gap between research and real life. That's exactly what we love about Melissa Schwartz, a transformational parent coach who brings cutting-edge insights grounded in both current research and personal experience. Drawing from her extensive professional training and deep personal insight, Melissa has guided families across six continents in embracing their sensitivity as a strength.

What makes Melissa's approach so powerful is her understanding that every parenting challenge – yes, even those meltdowns! – is an opportunity to deepen connection with our sensitive little ones. She specializes in helping families like ours embrace emotions (big and small), set healthy boundaries, and navigate our often overwhelming world with confidence and grace.

Speaking of connection, Melissa's got something special brewing that couldn't come at a better time – a free 3-day Connection through Consequence Challenge that transforms those tricky parenting moments into relationship-building opportunities. If you're looking for ways to maintain strong bonds with your sensitive child while managing behavioral boundaries (hello, holiday excitement!), you won't want to miss this.

This Week’s

MUST HAVE

With all the changes in routine ahead (thanks winter break), our sensitive kiddos need extra support with transitions! That's why we're absolutely loving this visual timer that helps make schedule shifts feel more manageable and predictable.

Rainbow Visual Timer

WHY WE LOVE IT

First off, this isn't just any timer – it's like having a tiny rainbow that magically disappears as time flows by! But what really makes my heart sing about this timer is how beautifully it works for our sensory-sensitive kiddos. No tick-tocking to send anyone into overwhelm (hallelujah!), and the visual countdown is so intuitive that even our littlest ones can understand "when the purple is gone, it's time to move on!"

WHAT IT’S USEFUL FOR

From homework sessions to smooth transitions (we all know how tricky those can be!), this timer is your new best friend. It's perfect for breaking down tasks into manageable chunks, making morning routines less chaotic, and helping our time-blind little ones develop a better sense of timing.

The best part? Three volume options – including completely silent – mean you can customize it to your child's sensory needs. Whether you're using it to wind down before bedtime or time those reading sessions, the gentle rainbow countdown keeps things calm and predictable.

PRO-TIPS

Use it first for fun activities (like how long they can build with blocks) before introducing it for transitions or less-preferred tasks. For our extra sensitive kiddos, start with the silent mode and gradually introduce the gentle alert if needed.

Remember, just like with any tool, give your child time to adjust to using it. Some kids might want to practice turning the dial themselves, while others might prefer watching the colors fade a few times before using it for actual timing. Trust me, once you see how this little rainbow timer can transform your daily routines, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it!

WEEKLY POLL

How are you feeling about winter break approaching? (Be honest! 😅)

Answer one answer below

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Just for Moms

SIMPLE TRICK TO PRIORITIZE ‘YOU TIME’

Make Time for Mom Time

Before the holiday whirlwind, take a moment to prioritize yourself and plan one special "treat" each weekend that's just for you. Think of it as your weekly "Mom-care" time – maybe it's sampling that new lavender latte while running errands, taking a peaceful walk through your favorite neighborhood streets, or a short detour to the library.

Here's the key: open that calendar right now and block it off like you would any other important appointment – because this is non-negotiable you-time!

The magic isn't in the grandness of the activity, but in having something uniquely yours to look forward to. Like a secret garden in your schedule, this little oasis of me-time helps you show up more present and patient for your sensitive little one. When the week feels heavy with managing emotions and navigating sensory challenges, let this small pleasure be your lighthouse, guiding you toward weekend renewal.

News & Research

GROUNDBREAKING SENSITIVITY RESEARCH RELEASED

Groundbreaking Research Reveals Evidence-Based Strategies for Supporting Sensitivity

Get ready to geek out with us over some amazing research! UC Santa Barbara neuroscientist Bianca P. Acevedo just dropped her new book, "The Science and Art of Sensory Processing Sensitivity", and it's packed with the kind of brain science that makes our parent hearts sing. Through fascinating brain imaging studies, she discovered that our sensitive souls actually show increased brain activity in areas linked to awareness, empathy, and emotional processing – especially when seeing loved ones smile (which totally explains why our kiddos can read our faces like a book!).

But here's what's really getting us excited: Dr. Acevedo isn't just explaining sensitivity – she's giving us practical, science-backed tools we can actually use! We're talking evidence-based strategies like cognitive reappraisal techniques, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness practices that can help our sensitive children navigate overwhelming moments. Plus, she explores how different environments and situations affect sensitivity, giving us a roadmap for supporting our kids across various settings, from cozy home spaces to busy classrooms.

This research isn't just validating what we've known all along – it's giving us real, proven ways to help our sensitive children thrive while honoring exactly who they are. And honestly? We're here for every bit of it! 💕

What We’re Doing

CURRENT BINGE

Dug Days

DISNEY+

If you're looking for a gentle, heartwarming show that celebrates curiosity and sensory exploration, Disney+'s "Dug Days" is a perfect find. Following the beloved golden retriever from "Up," each short episode follows Dug as he discovers the world through his heightened canine senses – from the exciting smells of spring flowers to the curious sounds of squirrels in the backyard.

The bite-sized episodes (around 7 minutes each) make it ideal for quick viewing breaks, and Dug's pure, authentic reactions to everyday wonders mirror how many sensitive children experience their environment. His endearing observations and loving relationship with Carl create a cozy, safe space for families to share in the joy of sensory discovery together.