The sun is finally out, and the weather is warming up which means summer is here! Summer is the time to be outside, enjoying the sun and exploring the community. Take a moment to get your plans together to create safe outings that are fun for every family member.
Avoid the stress – plan ahead
While we all have dreams of spending long days at the fair covered in sticky melty treats, or basking in the sun at the pool, sometimes these activities are so full of complications we find ourselves staying home. No matter what the challenges are in your family, some planning ahead can help these trips out be more fun and safer, you don’t need to cancel all the summer plans after all!
Tips to prepare kids for safe outings
Here are some ideas of things to do to prepare for going out this summer:
- Visual schedules. Pictures of the daily routine in sequence are a great way to help your child plan ahead. This helps them learn to anticipate what is coming next. You could take pictures of places you typically go or use Google Images to search for a pictures of a place you plan to visit.
- Visual Schedules for transitions. As the time approaches to get ready for a different activity, refer back to the schedule. For example, you can tell your child, “It’s almost time for…”. Or “first we need to clean up, then we go to soccer”.
- Calming Sensory Activities/Supports. If you know that an event may be stressful for your child, prepare calming sensory activities ahead of time. This can be as simple as a big hug or modeling a deep breath. You can also include things like headphones, sunglasses or hats to help them feel safe in situations with a lot of lights and sounds.
- Controlled Arrivals. Some children do best in a social setting by being the first to arrive so that the gathering grows around them. Others do better if they arrive after all of the commotion of the beginning and arrival of others. Pay close attention to how your child responds and be strategic about when you arrive.
- What to do When Out Rules. Rules should state what you would like your child to do rather than what you don’t want your child to do. For example, “walk in the house”, “use walking feet”, and “be gentle with others” are better rules than “don’t run”, and “don’t fight”. For young children, concrete rules are very helpful, such as “stop and stand on the red rectangle”, “touch with one finger”, “keep a hold of mom or mom keeps hold of you”.
- Look for Low-key. Don’t feel the activity needs to be a large formal event. Look for lowkey opportunities in the community. These types of settings can allow for easy social exchanges with less pressure. Look for opportunities for your child to socialize with other children in the same age range such as a story time at a local library, visits to the park, or a local playgroup.
- Plan an Escape Route. Have a plan prepared for what to do when your child starts to become overwhelmed. This can mean knowing where a quiet space is to take a break or a the easiest way to make a quick exit, if needed.
- Ask for help. Need additional ideas? Ask your developmental specialist to help you create a plan that works for your family.
Questions?
Contact Us! We’re happy to help.
