Author: justmymomsense

Visiting the New York Hall of Science with Kids (A Sensory-Friendly, Low-Stress Family Outing in Queens)

On By justmymomsenseIn new york, TravelLeave a comment

My husband and I recently took our 11- and 9-year-old to the New York Hall of Science, in Queen, NY and I’m already looking forward to going back.

If you’re searching for any of the following, then I’m happy to share our family’s experience:

  • Things to do in Queens with kids
  • Sensory-friendly museums in NYC
  • Indoor activities for kids in New York
  • STEM activities for tweens

Why We Chose the Hall of Science

The Hall of Science has been on our “we should go there someday” list for a while. But recently, my kids have been on a serious science kick. We recently got the book ‘The Mysteries of the Universe’ during a trip to Barnes & Noble, we’ve been watching Mark Rober’s CrunchLabs on Netflix and my 9 year old used her money to buy a microscope.

Needless to say, it felt like the right time.

Library Passes

We got free passes through our local library. This is such a huge perk of having a library card. For anyone that does, check your local library, wherever you are located, to see what passes they have available.

Of course free is always nice but it can change the way you move about the museum as well. When you don’t feel like you’ve just spent a significant amount of money, you don’t feel pressure to: stay for hours just to “get your money’s worth,” see every single exhibit or push tired kids past their limit. We could move at our own pace and when the kids were done, we left without guilt or stress.

Is the New York Hall of Science Sensory-Friendly?

I love how many museums, theme parks and even movie theaters are offering sensory-friendly aspects to their experience. The Hall of Science was no different.

The museum provides information for sensory-sensitive visitors, including a Sensory Hour on Saturdays, a Sensory Sensitive backpack with tools that can help kids get through the museum easier and more! You can read all about the Hall of Science’s Sensory Sensitive offerings by visiting their website.

The space is hands-on, interactive, and allows kids to engage at their own comfort level. My kids gravitated toward the exhibits that let them experiment.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Hall of Science in Queens

  • Parking is $15 (free with many library passes)
  • There’s a café and gift shop (we skipped the café this time)
  • It’s a great indoor activity for winter in NYC
  • Check the website for sensory and neurodiverse programming before you go

We’ll absolutely return be back and can’t wait to see the exhibits we missed and get to play some mini golf when the weather is nicer!

Routines That Actually Work: The 10-Minute Reset

On By justmymomsenseIn Parent LifeLeave a comment

If your house feels loud, if your kids feel dysregulated, if you feel one small request away from losing it…

This is your reminder: You don’t need a perfect schedule. You need a predictable anchor. Routines aren’t about rigidity. They’re about safety.

For kids (especially anxious, sensory-sensitive, or neurodivergent kids) routines reduce the invisible “what’s next?” stress that drains their nervous system all day long. When the rhythm of the day is predictable, their bodies can finally exhale.

And here’s the part no one talks about:

Routines regulate us too.

When you don’t have to reinvent the day every morning, your brain rests. You stop decision-fatiguing yourself by 9:12 a.m.

So instead of building an Instagram-worthy color-coded schedule, start here:

The 10-Minute Anchor Routine

Pick one transition that’s currently chaotic:

  • Mornings
  • After school
  • Bedtime

Then create a simple, repeatable 3-step rhythm.

For example (after school):

  1. Snack
  2. 10 minutes quiet decompression (audiobook, coloring, Lego, swing)
  3. Review the plan for the afternoon

That’s it. No charts. No bribes. No overhauls. Just predictability.

And when it falls apart (because it will)? You don’t scrap the system. You return to the rhythm.

Consistency beats intensity every time.

7 Sensory & Emotional Regulation Printables (Calm Down Corner Must-Haves)

On By justmymomsenseIn Printable ResourcesLeave a comment

If you’ve ever found yourself Googling:

  • “How to help my child calm down”
  • “Printable calm down corner tools”
  • “Brain breaks for kids at home”
  • “Emotional regulation activities for kids”
  • “Meltdown support for neurodivergent child”

You’re not alone. Big feelings are part of childhood. But for sensory-sensitive kids, neurodivergent kids, or simply overwhelmed kids, those feelings can escalate fast.

Here are the sensory and emotional regulation printables parents that I have created for my Etsy Shop:

1. Brain Break Cards for Kids (Movement + Reset Tools)

When focus drops or frustration rises, kids may just need movement.

Brain breaks help regulate the nervous system, increase oxygen to the brain, and improve attention. These printable Brain Break Cards include simple, kid-friendly movement ideas that work:

  • At home
  • In the classroom
  • During homework
  • Before tests
  • After screen time

If your child struggles with transitions, attention, or restlessness, brain breaks are a game changer.

Perfect for: ADHD, sensory processing challenges, classroom reset moments.

2. Calming Strategy Cards + Feelings Cards Bundle

You can’t expect a child to “use their words” if they don’t have the words.

This calming strategy and emotion identification bundle helps kids:

  • Identify what they’re feeling
  • Connect feelings to body signals
  • Choose a calming tool
  • Build emotional vocabulary

These work beautifully in a calm down corner, therapy room, or homeschool setup.

Perfect for: Emotional regulation skills, social emotional learning (SEL), and teaching coping strategies.

3. Meltdown Support Toolkit for Kids

Meltdowns are not misbehavior. They’re nervous system overload.

The Meltdown Support Toolkit is designed to support parents during high-stress moments, not after the fact. It gives you:

  • Visual supports
  • Grounding tools
  • Simple regulation prompts
  • Easy printable pages to use immediately

This is especially helpful for parents of neurodivergent children who need concrete, visual tools.

Perfect for: Autism, sensory overload, anxiety spikes, after-school meltdowns.

4. Kids Sensory Journal (Weekly Reflection)

Sometimes regulation doesn’t happen in the moment, it happens in reflection.

The Kids Sensory Journal helps children:

  • Notice what triggers overwhelm
  • Track patterns
  • Reflect on what helped
  • Build self-awareness over time

This is especially powerful for older elementary kids who are starting to understand their sensory profile.

5. Emotion Identification Cards for Kids

If your child jumps straight from “fine” to “exploding,” they may need help recognizing emotions earlier. Emotion identification is foundational to regulation.

These printable emotion cards are:

  • Visual
  • Simple
  • Developmentally appropriate
  • Great for therapy, home, or classroom use

They help kids build the language they need before things escalate.

6. Sensory-Friendly Vacation Prep Kit

Travel is exciting but it can also be dysregulating.

The Sensory-Friendly Vacation Prep Kit helps families prepare kids for:

  • Schedule changes
  • New environments
  • Travel days
  • Waiting in lines
  • Disrupted routines

This reduces anxiety before you even leave the house.

If you’ve ever searched “how to prepare my child for vacation,” this is for you.

7. Mom & Me Journal (Connection Before Correction)

Regulation is relational. This printable Mom & Me Journal creates intentional connection time so kids feel safe, heard, and grounded.

Because a connected child regulates better.

Printable emotional regulation tools are powerful because they:

  • Give kids visual supports
  • Reduce verbal overload
  • Create predictability
  • Support executive functioning
  • Build independence over time

You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect calm down corner. You just need simple, consistent supports.

If you’re interested in starting a simple Calm Down Corner, begin with:

  • Feelings cards
  • Calming strategy cards
  • Brain break cards
  • A cozy seat
  • A small basket for tools

That’s it. Keep it accessible. Keep it simple. Keep it consistent.

I’m a parent. I understand sensory challenges. I believe in supporting kids, not shaming them.

These tools are designed to feel:

  • Gentle
  • Encouraging
  • Practical
  • Easy to implement

If you’re looking for calm down corner printables, emotional regulation worksheets, brain break cards, or meltdown support tools, you can browse everything here:

Shop Just My MomSense Printables on Etsy

What Is Co-Regulation? How Borrowing Your Calm Helps Kids Handle Big Emotions

On By justmymomsenseIn Parent LifeLeave a comment

Let’s talk about co-regulation.

Before our kids can regulate themselves, they borrow our nervous systems.

When your child is melting down, spiraling, shutting down, yelling, crying, freezing, their brain is in survival mode. The logical, problem-solving part? Offline. Gone. On vacation.

What brings it back?

Not lectures. Not consequences (yet). Not “calm down.”

Connection.

Co-regulation is the process of helping your child return to a regulated state by staying regulated yourself or at least regulated enough.

And yes. That’s the hard part.

Because when your child is dysregulated, it’s dysregulating. Especially if you’re tired. Or overstimulated. Or carrying your own stress.

But here’s what co-regulation can look like in real life:

  • Lowering your voice instead of raising it
  • Sitting beside them instead of towering over them
  • Saying, “I’m right here,” instead of “Go to your room”
  • Taking one deep breath out loud so they can hear it
  • Offering pressure (a hug, a hand squeeze) if they’re open to it

You are not rewarding bad behavior. You are helping their nervous system feel safe enough to think again.

Once they’re regulated, then you can talk about what happened. Then you can problem-solve. Then you can teach.

Self-regulation grows from co-regulation.

And if no one co-regulated you as a kid? This can feel almost impossible. You might not have had someone model calm in chaos. That doesn’t mean you can’t learn it now.

Start small.

Next time things escalate, instead of asking, “How do I stop this?” try asking:

“How can I lend my calm?”

Sometimes that’s enough to shift everything. We’re not aiming for perfect. We’re aiming for safe. And safe builds skills.

When the Holidays Are Too Much: Navigating Anxiety & Sensory Overload as a Family

On By justmymomsenseIn Anxiety, PodcastLeave a comment

Although the holiday season can be magical, joyful, and full of tradition, it can feel loud, overwhelming, unpredictable, and exhausting. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

On my latest Just My MomSense podcast episode, I talk more about why the holidays can be so overstimulating, how anxiety and sensory challenges feed into each other, and what we can do to help our kids (and ourselves) move through the season with more calm.

You can listen here or on your favorite podcasting platform!

Everyday Kindness: Small Acts That Make a Big Difference

On By justmymomsenseIn KindnessLeave a comment

Today is World Kindness Day, a reminder that kindness doesn’t have to be big, loud, or complicated. Sometimes, the most powerful acts of kindness are the quiet, everyday ones. As parents, we have this amazing opportunity to help our children understand that kindness is a skill, a habit, and a choice.

Here are a few simple ways families can celebrate kindness, not just today, but everyday:

Kindness begins in the little moments. Encourage siblings to help one another, say thank you, and use gentle words. Let your kids see you apologize when needed.

Create a “Kindness Jar.” Every time someone in the family does something kind, (holding the door, helping clean up, comforting a friend) write it down and drop it in the jar. At the end of the week, read them aloud and recognize the acts together.

Send a handwritten note to a teacher, draw a picture for a neighbor, or drop off snacks for your local library or fire station. Showing gratitude to others teaches kids that kindness connects us all.

Model it. When we give ourselves grace after a tough day or use positive words when talking about ourselves, we show our kids that kindness isn’t just something we give, it’s something we deserve, too.

Ask your kids what kindness means to them. You might be surprised by their answers. These conversations help build empathy and awareness.

Kindness doesn’t require perfection, it just needs intention. Today, take one extra moment to be kind, not only to others but yourself too. Then, share your favorite family kindness idea in the comments or tag #JustMyMomSense on social media! Let’s fill our feeds (and our homes) with a little more good.

Rising Together: How Mark Ingrassia Is Using Special Ed Rising To Empower Families and Educators

On By justmymomsenseIn PodcastLeave a comment

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed navigating the world of special education, you’re not alone. This week on the Just My MomSense podcast, I talk with Mark Ingrassia, the heart and voice behind SpecialEdRising.com, to talk about his inspiring journey and mission to uplift families, educators, and students everywhere.

Mark is a passionate advocate and educator who has dedicated his career to supporting children with diverse learning needs. Through his podcast and website, Special Ed Rising, he’s built a safe and welcoming space for conversations about inclusion, advocacy, and understanding.

In our episode, Mark shares his journey into the world of special education, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and the inspiration behind Special Ed Rising. We also talk about the importance of community and how support, understanding, and a shared mission can make all the difference for children and the adults who champion them.

🔗 Listen to the Episode

For more about Mark’s work, visit SpecialEdRising.com and follow Special Ed Rising on social media.

ICYMI: Let’s Talk Executive Functioning with Dr. Val!

On By justmymomsenseIn PodcastLeave a comment

I was a bit under the weather last week, but wanted to make sure to let you all know about last week’s Just My MomSense podcast episode, before a new one drops tomorrow!

In Episode 13 of Just My MomSense, Dr. Val returns for a deeper dive into executive functioning skills. We talk about tools that help us plan, focus, organize and get things done. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone looking to strengthen everyday productivity, this conversation offers practical strategies and insight into how to support both children and adults.

Click here to listen to the latest episode with Dr. Val!

The Power of Community: Helping Children Learn, Grow and Thrive with Dr. Troy Roddy

On By justmymomsenseIn Podcast, schoolLeave a comment

On this episode of Just My MomSense, Jen talks with Dr. Troy Roddy. Dr. Troy is an educator, author, and fellow Disney Podcaster. They talk about building a community within a school, as well as with parents in order to help children develop a lifelong love of learning.  

Listen here:

Helpful Tools and Resources for Parents

On By justmymomsenseIn neurodiversity, Podcast, Sensory ResourcesLeave a comment

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but I’ve found tools and resources that make the tough days a little smoother. Whether you’re navigating sensory processing challenges, school struggles, or just need a moment to breathe, these resources have been a lifesaver for our family.

Below, you’ll find links to other sites I’ve found helpful, as well as my Favorite Things page, podcast episodes, and items from my Etsy shop, all curated to bring practical support, calm, and comfort to your parenting journey.

Explore these resources to help you manage parenting stress, neurodivergent needs, and everyday challenges with confidence.

Sensory Spectacle YouTube Channel

STAR Institute

These are a few of my Favorite Things

Embracing Neurodiversity with Dr. Matt Zakreski | Just My MomSense Podcast

Understanding How We Learn with Dr. Val | Just My MomSense Podcast

Just My MomSense Etsy Page