Tag: Mental Health

Prime Big Deal Days 2026: A Sensory-Friendly Shopping Guide for Parents

On By justmymomsenseIn Sensory ResourcesLeave a comment

Amazon’s October sale, Prime Big Deal Days, runs October 6-7, and it’s happening right now. If you’re parenting a child with sensory needs, you already know that the right tool at the right moment can change a whole day. Fall is also when we start thinking about school routines, cold-weather clothing battles, and holiday gifts that won’t overwhelm anyone.

I put together my go-to categories to watch during the sale. Deals change throughout the event and Prime membership is required, so I’ve linked the products instead of listing prices. Tap through to see today’s price.

1. Calm-Down and Regulation Tools

Sensory regulation tools are the things I’d buy first.

2. Comfortable Clothes (Goodbye, Morning Battles)

3. Routine and Transition Helpers

4. Movement and Sensory Play

5. Early Holiday Gift Ideas

I like to shop early so I’m not scrambling in December.

My Shopping Strategy

  1. Make a list first. Decide what you need before you scroll.
  2. Set a budget and stick to it.
  3. Check the price history on any item you’ve had your eye on.
  4. Read recent reviews, especially from parents of kids with similar needs.
  5. Check return policies so you can try things at home.

The sale ends Wednesday, October 7, at 11:59 p.m. PT, so don’t wait too long. Come back and let me know what you grabbed!

Prices and availability change quickly and are set by Amazon at the time you click. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link above and buy something, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share things I’d genuinely recommend to another parent.

The 5-Minute Feelings Check-in That Can Change Your Morning

On By justmymomsenseIn Printable ResourcesLeave a comment

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we talk a lot in our house about tools in the toolbox.

Anything that helps you reset when big feelings show up is a tool. Breathing, listening to music, building something with Legos, going for a walk, sitting quietly for two minutes. All of it counts. There’s no right or wrong tool.

Kids do so much better when they already know what their tools are before a hard moment hits. When everyone is calm is exactly the right time to figure it out together, not in the middle of a meltdown when nobody can think straight.

A feelings check-in is exactly what it sounds like: a simple, intentional pause to ask “how are you feeling right now?” before the day gets away from you. The simpler the better.

Kids, especially young ones, often don’t have the language for what they’re feeling. When you give kids a regular, low-pressure moment to check in with their emotions, a few things happen:

  • They build emotional vocabulary. The more often a child practices naming feelings, the easier it becomes in harder moments.
  • They feel seen. Being asked “how are you feeling?” and having someone actually listen to the answer, tells a child that their inner world matters.
  • You catch things early. A quick check-in can reveal that your child is anxious about a test, sad about something that happened yesterday, or just tired. Things you might not have known until the meltdown.
  • It works for parents too. Checking in with yourself alongside your child models exactly the behavior you’re trying to teach. Kids learn emotional regulation by watching adults do it.

If you want something tangible to anchor the habit, I made a free one-page Feelings Check-In printable you can print and stick on the fridge.

It includes a simple mood scale kids can point to, a space to write one thing on their mind, a grounding prompt, and a check-in section for parents too because you deserve to be asked how you’re feeling as well.

Grab your free Feelings Check-In printable here!

Print it once, use it every day. Some families laminate it and use a dry erase marker. Some print a fresh one each week. Whatever works for your house.

The mornings won’t always be perfect. But having a simple tool that opens the door to connection, even on the hard days, makes a difference. Not just for your kids, but for you too.

No, You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone

On By justmymomsenseIn Mental Health2 Comments

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and every year I find myself thinking about how much has and hasn’t changed in the way we talk about mental health. We’ve come a long way. But there are so many people that still feel if they can’t handle things on their own, something must be wrong with them.

That’s a lie.

Something I hear a lot, which sounds cliche but is also true: “We would never tell someone with a broken leg to just push through. Mental health deserves the same grace.”

We don’t think twice about going to a doctor for a fever, a sprained ankle, a headache that won’t quit. We don’t tell ourselves we’re weak for needing antibiotics or a cast. And yet, when it comes to anxiety, depression, grief, burnout (all the invisible weight people carry), there’s still this idea that we should just… figure it out.

Mental health is health. Full stop. It affects how we sleep, how we parent, how we show up for the people we love, how we feel in our own skin. Struggling mentally is not a character flaw any more than struggling physically is. And just like physical health, it exists on a spectrum, from everyday stress to more serious conditions and all of it is worth taking seriously.

Here’s the thing about asking for help that I think gets missed: it takes courage. It is not an easy thing. It means admitting that something is hard. It means deciding that you matter enough to invest in. That’s not weakness, that’s strength.

Therapy, medication, a support group, an honest conversation with a friend, all of these aren’t signs that you’ve failed. They’re tools. And smart, strong people use the right tools for the job.

Let’s use this month to give ourselves and the people around us more grace. And then let’s keep that going each month after that. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. If someone you love is struggling, the kindest thing you can do is make space for that conversation without judgment. And if you’ve been carrying something heavy for a while now, please know: reaching out is not weakness. It might just be the strongest thing you do all year.

If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7: call or text 988. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

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

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.

World Mental Health Day: Caring for the Whole Family’s Mind

On By justmymomsenseIn Mental HealthLeave a comment

Every year on October 10, the world pauses to recognize World Mental Health Day. A day to remember that our mental well-being matters just as much as our physical health.

The truth is, mental health starts at home, in our daily routines, our conversations, and the ways we care for one another. Whether you’re a parent, child, or caregiver, mental health is something we can nurture together.

Kids learn how to express emotions by watching us. Talking about feelings, the good and the hard ones, normalizes emotional ups and downs. Try asking your kids questions like:

  • “What made you smile today?”
  • “Was there anything that felt tricky or stressful?”
  • “How does your body feel when you’re upset?”

It doesn’t have to be heavy, just consistent. These conversations help children build emotional vocabulary and teach them it’s okay to ask for help.

As parents, we won’t always get it right. But showing your kids how you calm down through deep breathing, taking a short walk, or saying, “I need a minute to think,” teaches emotional regulation better than any lecture could. When we practice self-care openly, we give our kids permission to do the same.

Routines help everyone feel grounded, especially kids who thrive on predictability. Simple rituals like reading before bed, eating dinner together, or sharing highs and lows of the day create connection and stability which are two key ingredients for strong mental health.

It’s easy to put everyone else’s needs first, but your mental health deserves care, too. Check in with yourself:

  • Are you sleeping enough?
  • Are you eating regularly?
  • When was the last time you did something just for you?

Even a few minutes a day of quiet, journaling, or movement can make a difference.

Caring for our family’s mental health doesn’t have to mean grand gestures. It’s the small, everyday choices that build emotional strength: a hug, a walk, a laugh, or a moment of grace when things go wrong.

This World Mental Health Day, let’s remind ourselves and our kids that it’s okay not to be okay and that help, hope, and healing are always within reach.

Understanding Different Types of Therapy for Kids and Families

On By justmymomsenseIn therapyLeave a comment

This household is very pro therapy! However, it’s so hard to know where to start, what the different types of therapies mean and what may be best for you or your child. With it being Sensory Processing Awareness Month, I thought I would explore the many types of therapy available for children and families; from occupational and speech therapy to CBT and talk therapy.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational Therapy helps kids build the skills they need for everyday life, from tying shoes and brushing teeth to regulating their emotions.

Common goals:

  • Improving fine and gross motor skills
  • Building independence with self-care
  • Supporting emotional and sensory regulation

Speech Therapy

Speech therapy goes beyond pronunciation. It can also help children who struggle with communication, social interaction, and feeding.
Speech therapists work on everything from articulation and expressive language to understanding nonverbal cues.

Common goals:

  • Improving clarity and confidence in speech
  • Strengthening language comprehension
  • Supporting social communication and pragmatic skills

Physical Therapy (PT)

Physical therapists help children build strength, balance, and coordination. This therapy is especially beneficial for kids with developmental delays, low muscle tone, or motor planning challenges.

Common goals:

  • Increasing strength and endurance
  • Improving posture and balance
  • Building coordination for daily tasks and play

Play Therapy

Play therapy uses play, a child’s natural form of expression, to help them process big feelings and experiences. It can be especially effective for children who have anxiety, trauma, or difficulty expressing emotions verbally.

Common goals:

  • Building emotional awareness
  • Developing coping and problem-solving skills
  • Strengthening trust and communication with caregivers

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps children (and adults) recognize negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive, realistic ones.
It’s a powerful tool for anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation. Therapists often use visual aids, role-play, and journaling to make CBT age-appropriate and engaging.

Common goals:

  • Managing anxious or negative thoughts
  • Building resilience and confidence
  • Developing coping strategies for real-life challenges

Talk Therapy

Talk therapy provides a safe, judgment-free space for both kids and parents to explore feelings, relationships, and stressors. For parents, it can also be an invaluable form of support when navigating a child’s diagnosis or behavioral challenges.

Common goals:

  • Reducing stress and overwhelm
  • Improving communication within families
  • Processing emotions in a healthy, supported way

Feeding Therapy

Feeding therapy helps children who struggle with eating, whether due to sensory sensitivities, oral motor challenges, or anxiety around food.
A therapist might use gradual exposure, play, and desensitization to help make mealtime more positive and successful.

Common goals:

  • Increasing comfort with new foods
  • Building safe swallowing and chewing skills
  • Reducing mealtime anxiety and power struggles

Parent and Family Therapy

Therapy isn’t just for kids, it’s for families, too. Parent coaching or family therapy can help improve communication, set boundaries, and strengthen relationships.

Common goals:

  • Building teamwork between caregivers
  • Creating consistent routines
  • Understanding and supporting each child’s needs

Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Every child and every family is unique. What matters most is finding the right combination of support that meets your child where they are.

Whether it’s OT for sensory needs, CBT for anxiety, or play therapy to help your child open up, each form of therapy is a step toward greater understanding, connection, and confidence.

Understanding a Sensory Diet

On By justmymomsenseIn Sensory Processing Awareness, Sensory ResourcesLeave a comment

Although we tend to think of food when we hear the word “diet,” a sensory diet isn’t about food at all. It’s about providing the right kind of sensory input throughout the day to help kids (and adults) regulate, focus, and feel their best.

For our family, learning about sensory diets was so helpful. My kids both experience the world in ways that can sometimes feel “too much” or “not enough.” One might crave constant movement, while the other gets overwhelmed by sound or touch. Once we started understanding sensory needs, things began to make a lot more sense. Sensory diets are something I go back to a lot when I feel we’ve gotten too caught up in the day-to-day.

A sensory diet is a personalized plan of activities and strategies designed to give the brain the input it needs to stay regulated. It might include things like:

  • Deep pressure (weighted blankets, tight hugs, compression vests)
  • Movement breaks (jumping, spinning, swinging, or even pushing a heavy laundry basket)
  • Oral input (chewing gum, crunchy snacks, or using a chew necklace)
  • Calming input (soft lighting, noise-canceling headphones, or fidget tools)

Occupational therapists often create sensory diets tailored to a child’s specific needs, but parents can also integrate small strategies at home once they understand what works best for their child. Think of it as feeding your child’s sensory system the “nutrients” it needs to thrive.

Sensory input directly impacts how we feel, think, and behave. When a child’s sensory system is out of balance, they might seem “hyper,” “zoned out,” or “meltdown-prone.” These aren’t bad behaviors, they’re signals.

A well-balanced sensory diet helps:

  • Improve focus and attention
  • Reduce meltdowns and anxiety
  • Support better transitions between activities
  • Promote self-regulation and independence

You don’t need fancy equipment or a sensory room (though those are fun if you have the space). Start with small, intentional moments throughout the day:

  • Morning: Use a weighted blanket, bear crawls, or a quick dance session to wake up the senses.
  • Midday: Add movement breaks such as wall pushes, jumping jacks, or animal walks.
  • Evening: Try calming input before bedtime, like soft music, dim lights, or a lavender bubble bath.

Pay attention to your child’s reactions. What helps them focus? What calms them? What overstimulates them? That’s your roadmap.

If you’re just starting to explore sensory diets, take a deep breath. It’s a learning process and may be a game of trial and error until you figure out what works best. Some strategies might work one week and not the next (trust me, I’ve been there).

You know your child best. You see the cues others might miss. By tuning into their sensory needs, you’re helping them build lifelong skills in self-awareness and regulation.

A sensory diet isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” plan. Some days it’s five minutes of jumping on the trampoline and other days it’s a long walk outside after school. What matters most is consistency and compassion for your child and yourself.

When we start viewing behavior through a sensory lens, everything starts to click.