Brew #8: HSC Winter Break Guide + Burnout Breakthrough

Author

Jill Gilbert
December 12, 2024

Raising Highly Sensitive Kids. No Filter

Real Talk

Hi Mama,

I had that familiar stomach drop yesterday looking at the calendar - winter break is barreling toward us like a tinsel-covered freight train.

Between managing big feelings and navigating family expectations, winter break can feel like an Olympic sport we never signed up for. While everyone else seems to be planning elaborate holiday adventures, we're over here creating quiet corners and mapping out decompression zones.

Your winter survival guide has arrived, packed with exactly what you need right now:

In this issue:

✨ Meet Stacy: The burnout whisperer turning overwhelmed moms into confident champions (her Instagram stories will make you feel seen)
📊 Mind-blowing new research on neurodiversity that validates everything you've been feeling
🎨 Three genius holiday crafts that won't scatter glitter to the ends of the earth
🧶 The hobby that's more addictive than scrolling (and creates something beautiful)
🌊 A secret Disney+ gem that creates instant calm (no more 3-minute loop videos!)
📝 Your permission slip for a simpler winter break (with day-by-day peaceful activities)

I've used almost every recommendation, resource, and strategy in this issue - not in a picture-perfect world, but in my real life with a sensitive child who notices everything. These aren't just ideas that sound good—they're solutions that actually work when the holiday chaos hits.

You've got this, and more importantly, you've got us.

Jill

FOUNDER & CEO

HOT OFF THE BLOG

The HSC Parent's Winter Break Playbook: Where Peace Meets Play

When you have a highly sensitive child, long school breaks can feel daunting. Finding the right balance between keeping them engaged and respecting their need for calm and connection can be challenging. Elaborate plans can quickly become overwhelming, and too much unstructured time can lead to boredom and frustration.

With this in mind, I’ve been exploring gentle, screen-free winter break activities that foster creativity, connection, and comfort. These ideas are simple, adaptable, and designed to support the unique needs of sensitive kids while creating meaningful moments together as a family. Let’s approach this holiday season with a plan that prioritizes both joy and peace.

WORTH YOUR FOLLOW

Stacy McCann brings warmth and wisdom to the beautiful chaos of modern motherhood. As a licensed therapist and parent coach with 15 years of experience and a 5-year-old of her own, she's made it her mission to support mothers of young children through burnout, offering creative and flexible solutions that actually work in real life. Through Present Moment Counseling Services (just outside St. Louis) and Present Parent Coaching Services (reaching moms worldwide), she helps moms transform overwhelm into confidence and connection.

We absolutely adore following Stacy on Instagram, where she shares the most relatable content and practical strategies for navigating motherhood. Her posts have this way of making you feel truly seen and understood – like she's right there in the trenches with you, offering a helping hand and a knowing smile.

And here's a little sneak peek: In 2025, watch for her new "Supermom Dropout Club" – an innovative motherhood intensive designed to help you craft a more sustainable, joy-filled parenting journey. Because the best version of motherhood isn't about being super – it's about being present.

Cozy Crafting

WINTER BREAK ACTIVITIES

Ready to make some holiday magic? We've handpicked three creative projects that your sensitive kids will love (and you'll appreciate how manageable they are!)

Snowy Village Painting Kit

Perfect for older kids who love to get creative and enjoy a more involved project, this charming snowy village kit creates magical holiday memories. With five plywood pieces to paint and decorate, plus a plastic dome to create that perfect snow globe effect, this craft offers just the right balance of structure and creative freedom.

We love how the battery-powered lights add a cozy glow to the finished piece, making it feel extra special. While this project might take a few sittings to complete (perfect for those holiday break afternoons!), the end result is a beautiful keepsake that your child will be proud to display.

Holiday String Art Kit

Looking for a holiday craft that won't leave glitter in every corner of your house? This clever string art kit is your answer! Perfect for little hands that need a break from overstimulating holiday activities, the simple process of looping colorful yarn through pre-set pegs creates a soothing, focused activity.

We especially love how this craft naturally builds fine motor skills while creating something beautiful. The addition of bright pom poms lets kids add their personal touch without the usual craft chaos. It's an ideal quiet-time activity that results in a sweet piece of holiday decor your child will love showing off.

Paperboard Gingerbread House Kit

When you want the fun of decorating a gingerbread house without the sugar rush (or the inevitable crumbling!), this paperboard version hits all the right notes. It's quick enough to hold attention spans but creates a lasting decoration that won't attract ants! The built-in light feature adds that extra bit of magic that makes this craft special.

Whether your child wants to keep it in their room as a nightlight or wrap it up as a heartfelt gift for grandparents, this craft offers just enough creative freedom without becoming overwhelming. Plus, clean-up is as simple as putting the paint brushes in the sink!

☕ Sip & Support: While "A Cuppa Momsense" is our gift to you, some product links may be affiliates. If you treat yourself, we might get a little something too – at no extra cost to you. It's how we keep the coffee flowing! 💖

Just for Moms

HOBBY SPOTLIGHT

Get Off Your Phone & Into Embroidery

Let's be honest – how many of us default to endless scrolling when we finally get a quiet moment? Let me introduce you to embroidery: a hobby that'll give your thumbs (and mind) a much better workout than refreshing Instagram or TikTok for the hundredth time.

Here's why you'll love it: unlike those Pinterest-fail crafts that require tons of setup and space, embroidery is beautifully simple. All you need is a hoop, some thread, a needle, and a piece of fabric. And guess what? We found the perfect beginner's kit that teaches you some basic stitches and comes with everything you need to get started! Tuck it all into a small bag, and you've got a portable creative outlet ready whenever you can grab it – whether that's during trips to the park, waiting in the school pickup line, or those precious minutes after the kids are finally asleep.

The best part? There's no pressure to finish in one sitting. Your project patiently waits for you, ready to pick up right where you left off. Start with a simple pattern (trust me, even basic stitches look gorgeous), and watch as those tiny stitches become something you're proud of. Because mama, you deserve a hobby that's just for you – one that lets you create something beautiful while giving your scrolling thumb a break!

☕ Sip & Support: While "A Cuppa Momsense" is our gift to you, some product links may be affiliates. If you treat yourself, we might get a little something too – at no extra cost to you. It's how we keep the coffee flowing! 💖

News & Research

ON THE RADAR

Breaking Barriers: New Study Shows Growing Recognition of Neurodivergent Experiences

A groundbreaking YouGov poll is shedding new light on neurodiversity in America, revealing that nearly one in five Americans (19%) identify as neurodivergent. This number climbs even higher among younger adults and LGBTQ+ community members, painting a picture of a more diverse and aware society than ever before.

While 32% of Americans are familiar with terms like neurodivergent and neurodiversity, the study shows we still have room to grow in understanding specific conditions like autism, ADHD, and learning differences. Most notably, the research highlights how common neurodivergent traits – from sensory sensitivities to remarkable abilities to hyperfocus – actually are in our communities.

The poll also reveals a strong appetite for change, with 65% of Americans supporting initiatives to promote inclusivity and recognize the vital role neurodivergent individuals play in our society. However, representation remains a challenge, with just 10% of respondents feeling that media portrayals capture the full depth and complexity of neurodivergent experiences.

What We’re Doing

CURRENT BINGE

Dory’s Reef Cam

DISNEY+

Need a calming escape into an underwater world? Disney+'s "Dory's Reef Cam" is a 3+ hour virtual aquarium experience that transforms your TV into a stunning window to the Great Barrier Reef.

What makes this special? While most calming videos loop every few minutes (which our sensitive kiddos always notice!), Dory's Reef Cam flows naturally for hours. There's no plot to follow or dialogue to process – just peaceful underwater scenes where Dory, Nemo, and friends occasionally swim by, mixed with tranquil moments of gentle coral swaying and schools of fish drifting past.

It's perfect for quiet time, sensory breaks, or creating a calm atmosphere during potentially overwhelming activities.

We hope you enjoyed this email from A Cuppa Momsense.