During the winter months our lives often revolve around Monkey playing hockey and this means that we do spend some time at loud hockey rinks. Unfortunately Artist and Baby Boy are not big fans of loud places. Generally I stay at home with Artist and Baby Boy to avoid melt downs which we have had to deal with in the past.
There have been times in the past where Artist has asked to go sit in the car to avoid the noisy crowds.
I can't tell you how many times I have arrived at the rink to watch Monkey play his hockey game and not even make it until warm up when either Artist or Baby Boy are struggling and I have had to leave. Baby Boy has had such bad melt downs that he has fallen asleep in the car and sleep for over an hour. A melt down can really take a lot out of everyone involved but especially the child.
We have since learned a few techniques to help the children deal with noisy situations.
1. We always make sure to have ear muffs with us when we go out, many ear muffs fold up and fit perfectly in a small backpack.
2. We also bring fidgets with us, you would be surprised how well distraction can help in these situations.
3. If all else fails watching a show or playing a game on the leap pad or mom's phone has been known to help.
4. Have an out, if nothing seems to be helping our children calm down then they know they can have an out. Sometimes the out is going outside, sitting in the car, or going the opposite way of the crowds, such as sitting inside during the game and going out to the rink area during intermission.
I also make it a point to stay home if Artist and Baby Boy are tired or having challenging day. Thankfully there are some awesome parents that keep everyone up to date on the game using a team app or going live on Facebook so we can watch.
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| We never leave home without headphones. |
I can't tell you how many times I have arrived at the rink to watch Monkey play his hockey game and not even make it until warm up when either Artist or Baby Boy are struggling and I have had to leave. Baby Boy has had such bad melt downs that he has fallen asleep in the car and sleep for over an hour. A melt down can really take a lot out of everyone involved but especially the child.
We have since learned a few techniques to help the children deal with noisy situations.
1. We always make sure to have ear muffs with us when we go out, many ear muffs fold up and fit perfectly in a small backpack.
2. We also bring fidgets with us, you would be surprised how well distraction can help in these situations.
3. If all else fails watching a show or playing a game on the leap pad or mom's phone has been known to help.
4. Have an out, if nothing seems to be helping our children calm down then they know they can have an out. Sometimes the out is going outside, sitting in the car, or going the opposite way of the crowds, such as sitting inside during the game and going out to the rink area during intermission.
I also make it a point to stay home if Artist and Baby Boy are tired or having challenging day. Thankfully there are some awesome parents that keep everyone up to date on the game using a team app or going live on Facebook so we can watch.