Mornings can be difficult for families of children with ADHD and SPD as this is time when medication has not kicked in and everyone is rushed to get out the door. I am not an expert when it comes to knowing which sensory tool will help at every moment. Our family still has difficult mornings but they are starting to become few and far between. I would also like to mention that what works today may not work tomorrow. I have done a lot of research on this topic, gone to workshops and have been given advice from Occupational Therapists. As a parent or caregiver you know your child best and know what will work best for your child but don't be afraid to ask for help.
Tips for better mornings:
1. Follow a routine - as much as possible try to keep a routine. By keeping a routine it will help your child know what to expect next and there will be less anxiety about the morning.
2. Make time for sensory work - try to put aside at least 10 minutes every morning for sensory work. Things like heavy work (stretching Thera bands, pushing laundry basket with something heavy in it, or crawling through a sensory tunnel) are often great for mornings. Heavy work can help with things like putting on a jacket that doesn't feel right or the ability to sit down for circle time or during class.
3. Eat breakfast - having a full stomach can help everyone with their mental and physical state.
4. Use visual schedules - visual schedules help children walk through everything that has to be done in the morning, my daughter has a list of things to be done in the morning (brush teeth, brush hair, get dressed, etc.) Each activity has its only page and are placed on a ring so when she is finished one activity she can flip the page to the next.
5. Use first and then- this has worked the best for my 3 year old, he often wants to stay at home and go for walk or play with a certain toy so we say first daycare then walk. Some families might find it easier to use first and then with pictures. Our family has had success with just saying the words but keeping it simple.
6. Plan ahead - the night before have lunches made, and clothes laid out for the next day. Have your child help you with this so you don't accidentally pack the wrong thing for lunch or pick an article or clothing your child doesn't like.
7. Take some time for yourself - I find that getting up 30 minutes before my children gives me some personal time to relax, check emails, browse Facebook and just listen to the quietness of the house.
8. Give yourselves lots of time - set your alarm clock to give your family plenty of time to get out the door. When we are rushed is usually when the meltdowns happen.
9. Don't forget medication - if you choose to medicate your child don't forget to give them to your child as this will help with the whole day.
10. Take a deep breath- sometimes no matter what you do your morning just won't go well. When the meltdowns and tears start try to take a deep breath and count to 10. Tomorrow will be a better day.
Tips for better mornings:
1. Follow a routine - as much as possible try to keep a routine. By keeping a routine it will help your child know what to expect next and there will be less anxiety about the morning.
2. Make time for sensory work - try to put aside at least 10 minutes every morning for sensory work. Things like heavy work (stretching Thera bands, pushing laundry basket with something heavy in it, or crawling through a sensory tunnel) are often great for mornings. Heavy work can help with things like putting on a jacket that doesn't feel right or the ability to sit down for circle time or during class.
3. Eat breakfast - having a full stomach can help everyone with their mental and physical state.
4. Use visual schedules - visual schedules help children walk through everything that has to be done in the morning, my daughter has a list of things to be done in the morning (brush teeth, brush hair, get dressed, etc.) Each activity has its only page and are placed on a ring so when she is finished one activity she can flip the page to the next.
5. Use first and then- this has worked the best for my 3 year old, he often wants to stay at home and go for walk or play with a certain toy so we say first daycare then walk. Some families might find it easier to use first and then with pictures. Our family has had success with just saying the words but keeping it simple.
6. Plan ahead - the night before have lunches made, and clothes laid out for the next day. Have your child help you with this so you don't accidentally pack the wrong thing for lunch or pick an article or clothing your child doesn't like.
7. Take some time for yourself - I find that getting up 30 minutes before my children gives me some personal time to relax, check emails, browse Facebook and just listen to the quietness of the house.
8. Give yourselves lots of time - set your alarm clock to give your family plenty of time to get out the door. When we are rushed is usually when the meltdowns happen.
9. Don't forget medication - if you choose to medicate your child don't forget to give them to your child as this will help with the whole day.
10. Take a deep breath- sometimes no matter what you do your morning just won't go well. When the meltdowns and tears start try to take a deep breath and count to 10. Tomorrow will be a better day.
