World Mental Health Day

On By justmymomsenseIn Anxiety, Mental Health2 Comments

The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. – World Health Organization

There is no shame in taking care of your mental health. There is no shame in admitting you need help to take care of your mental health. There is no shame in talking to others about your mental health.

I recognize that in 2023 there is still a stigma when in comes to discussing mental health. I realize there is still a stigma when people talk about going to therapy. However, I am thankful that the stigma seems to be diminishing as each year passes. As it should, right?

It’s hard to talk about sensory difficulties without talking about anxiety. They go hand in hand and can feed off each other easily. Providing your children with the right tools to help them overcome any of their challenges as early as possible can make such a difference. Whether that is speech therapy, occupational therapy, talk therapy, play therapy, while also working with them at home, it can all change how you and your child communicate and get through the day to day.

As a mom, talking to another parent that may be reading this, please know that taking care of your mental health is so important. It’s great to have a support system around you and some are lucky to have that. Whether you do or you don’t, it’s ok to also ask for additional help. Talking to a therapist, meditation, and working on yourself can do wonders for your kids. If you are not regulated, they won’t be either. Being a parent is tough, add having a child with anxiety, sensory difficulties, health issues or any other challenges and being a parent just got tougher. Please take care of yourselves as well.

During World Mental Health Day, I wish for kindness and compassion for all of us. I wish for everyone to feel peace and happiness. For those that aren’t feeling that way, please know it’s ok to ask for help.

Helpful Links:

MentalHealth.org

MentalHealth.org.uk

Star Institute

Psychology Today

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days

On By justmymomsenseIn Sensory ResourcesLeave a comment

I have been taking some time today to search out prime deals on sensory toys and wanted to share them with you!

First up is this 70 pack of Sensory Toys! Amazon lists it as potential party favors as well, which is something I haven’t thought about before. I love to have an assortment of toys to put some in a bin at home, some in the car and some to carry around with me as well. You never know when or why one of them will come in handy! Click here to check them out!

Next we have a Busy Book for toddlers! This is great to practice colors, shapes and to learn how to buckle, tie and zip! Although this is intended for toddlers, it’s great to reintroduce each year, especially when school aged children are learning to tie shoes. Click here to check out the busy book!

Lastly, we have Light Up Pop It Game! Another great toy for on the go or at home! My kids love all things pop it: key chains, fidget toys and this game is no different! Click here to check out the Pop It Game!

Amazon Prime Big Day Deals are going on from October 10-October 11. However, I’m sure that Amazon will continue running great deals from now through the holidays!

The Importance of Play

On By justmymomsenseIn Parent Life, school2 Comments

If you’re a parent than you know that playing is one of the most important things children can do. There are so many benefits and it’s so beneficial to your child’s developement.

Once the school year begins and extracurricular activities ramp up, sometimes it’s hard to make time to just play. It’s easy to get caught up in the routine, the chores, going from one activity to the next, working and everything else parents have going on throughout their day.

It’s important to stop and play. Maybe not everyday, but as often as possible. We’re still at an age range where we can do playdates. We have friends we’ve made over the past couple of years that we can call to meet up with at a park, playground, library, bowling, or just hang at one of our houses. The kids are able to be in a comfortable place with some freedom and the ability to interact with each other. They’re able to learn from each other and work on communicating more effectively. The most important thing they’re able to do is have fun in a non-structured environment.

As parents, my husband and I also work to make sure we’re playing as a family. Sometimes we walk up to a nearby school and play Basketball, Box Ball, Wiffle Ball, help them across monkey bars, or just race each other across the field. I won’t tell you who normally wins those races…

Again, I know how much the daily grind can suck you in and you start to rely a little more on school for playing and socialization. However, doing those things outside of school is just as important. I try to be aware of it so that when I feel like it’s been a long week or a busy weekend where we were gogogo, I try to make sure we have that time to stop and play.

Added bonus: it’s just as beneficial to parents!

Want to learn more about the benefits of play? Check out some of these articles:

Why Playing Is So Effecting In Your Kids’ Developement

10 Things Every Parent Should Know About Play

Want Resilient and Well-Adjusted Kids? Let Them Play

Counting Down To Fall

On By justmymomsenseIn Sensory ResourcesLeave a comment

We’re less than 10 days away until Fall! It’s definitely a favorite time of year for me, but it’s not for everyone. For those with Sensory Processing difficulties, a change in seasons may affect them more than you think.

There are many factors that may play into why someone with SPD may not like this time of year:

  • Going from hotter temperatures to cooler temps and how that makes our bodies feel
  • Having to wear different type of clothing: going from shorts to pants may make someone feel uncomfortable and too covered up.
  • The sounds in the environment: leaves, wind, etc.
  • The smells of the environment

My son was so excited going from cooler temps to warm last year. He was so happy to be able to wear shorts and felt so “free,” as he put it. His entire mood changed, for the better, that first day he wore them to school.

Becky Lyddon and Sensory Spectacle are always so great about providing information regarding SPD. Becky has been kind enough to write guest blogs here in the past (check out the archives) and I was able to talk to her on an episode of the Magical Mommy Monday podcast. Below is a video she put together to explain further why someone with SPD may be affected by changes in weather:

How Does Sensory Processing Affect Sleep?

On By justmymomsenseIn Sensory ResourcesLeave a comment

Taken from The Out-Of-Sync Child:

Falling asleep, staying asleep and waking up may be problematic The child with SPD may need an unusually long afternoon nap, or she may never nap even if exhausted. Because a sleep disorder is often caused be a separation problem, she may want to sleep with her parents She may have trouble comforting herself to sleep, or may constantly awaken during the night.

Sleep problems may be associated with high need for movement. If the child has not had her quota of movement during the day, her arousal levels may fluctuate erratically, and she may become overaroused at night. Over- or underresponsitivity also may cause the child to feel uncomfortable in bed. The pajamas or sheets may feel scratchy. The pillowcase may not smell right, especially after its familiar, ripe scent has been washed out. The blankets may be too heavy or not heavy enough.

My son is 9 and we still struggle with locking in a good bedtime routine. We have a routine, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Both of my kids used to go to sleep at 5:00….yup 5! And some nights, I’ll still do that. When I put them to bed at 5, they fall right to sleep and will wake up at 6AM or after. Of course as they’ve gotten older, incorporating school and after school activities, 5:00 it a lot tougher. More often their bedtime is closer to 7. However, at this time, my 6 year old is typically overtired and my 9 year old will come out of the room a dozen times before settling. They’ll still wake up at 6AM or after.

They both wake up during the night, but my 9 year old tends to do it more. We try our best to make sure he’s had enough movement during the day and enough stimulation, without getting overstimulated. It’s an ongoing balancing act.

There are plenty of things you can try if you’re in a similar boat as us.

  • Warm baths
  • Plenty of Movement during the day
  • Limiting screen time closer to bedtime
  • Making sure they’re full from all their meals

However, as much as you try, you may also just be in it right along with us. If you are, know that you’re not alone!

I recommend reading The Out-Of-Sync Child as a resource for all things sensory processing. The book has been updated since I originally purchased it and I am linking the most recent version.

Click here to check out The Out-Of-Sync Child.

Just My MomSense is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program

Self Regulation

On By justmymomsenseIn Sensory ResourcesLeave a comment

Taken from: The Out-Of-Sync Child:

The child may have difficulty modulating (adjusting) his mood. He may be unable to “rev up,” or to calm down once aroused. He may become fussy easily. He may have difficulty with self-comforting after being hurt or upset Delaying gratification and tolerating transitions from one activity to another may be hard. The child may perform unevenly: “with it” one day, “out of it” the next.

Self regulation can be extremely difficult for someone with sensory processing difficulties. As a parent, I have also learned how important it is for us to stay regulated when a child is feeling dysregulated. There are a variety of things you can do to help your child during this time:

  • Demonstrate deep breathing
  • Offer a safe environment if they are unable to control their bodies
  • Strong hugs/being covered in a weighted blanket
  • Try different parts of your sensory diet: swinging, jumping on a trampoline, playing with playdoh, etc.

You know your child best and what gets them back to a place of feeling comfortable. I recommend reading The Out-Of-Sync Child as a resource for all things sensory processing. The book has been updated since I originally purchased it and I am linking the most recent version.

I would also recommend listening to the Living a Sensory Life Podcast, where Becky Lyddon discusses self regulation and sensory characteristics.

Click here to check out The Out-Of-Sync Child.

Just My MomSense is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program

30 Day Writing Challenge | Day 13 Update

On By justmymomsenseIn Travel, writing challenge4 Comments

I have a confession to make.

I have missed one day of my writing challenge. That day, was yesterday.

On Thursday, I went away for a few days and made sure to schedule blogs so I didn’t miss anything. Only to come home Sunday and then needing Monday to recover.

I have decided that I will do 2 blogs today to make up for yesterday! Do I have a plan for what I’ll be writing in this one or the next? Nope! So we’ll just roll with whatever comes to mind.

Going away solo as a parent is a weird thing. I’ve mentioned in previous blogs that I co-host the Dillo’s Diz Podcast with my brother. It covers our love for Disney, random tangents and some pop culture thrown in along the way. This trip was our first every meetup and it meant so much to us. I’m still processing trying to find the words to explain how much it meant, but I’m not sure I ever will.

We’ve taken a few Dillos trips and they’re always a bit tough for me. My mom guilt kicks in, missing them is a constant and I never want to be away from them for too long. On the flip side, it was great spending time with the friends we’ve made along the way thanks to the podcast and I am so happy we did it.

If you’re a parent and can relate to feeling all the things all at once, comment below and let me know!

<Shameless plug time> If you like Disney, pop culture and hearing siblings tangent, then be sure to check out the Dillo’s Diz Podcast, available on your favorite podcasting platform or by clicking here!