Hey {{first_name}}
This time of year can be a lot.
New routines, skipped naps, bright lights, loud events, unfamiliar smells, endless transitions... even fun things can be overwhelming for a sensory system that’s already running on empty.
And for parents, that means you’re managing your own stress while trying to hold space for your child’s. That’s no small thing.
You don’t have to wait for things to fall apart to offer support. Simple prep can make a huge difference: let your child know what’s coming up (“First we’re going to grandma’s, then we’ll have dinner, then home for PJs”), show them pictures, read books or a quick visual schedule, and agree on a couple of strategies they can use if it starts to feel like too much (noise-reducing headphones, a hug from mom in a quiet room or a fidget in their pocket). You can even pack a small sensory toolkit for outings: think chewy snack, small toy, headphones, a favorite stuffy, so their nervous system has familiar anchors in unfamiliar places. When kids know what to expect and what they can do if they feel overwhelmed, their whole body can relax a little.
This is the perfect time to slow down and decode why certain moments (bedtime, mornings, holiday gatherings) feel harder so you can respond with proactive strategies that actually work instead of guessing and hoping.
That’s exactly what my Sensory Decoder Kit helps you do.
It starts with a quick, parent-friendly sensory quiz that helps you understand your child’s sensory needs and gives you personalized activity cards to meet their needs throughout the day. So instead of dreading the next meltdown, you’ll start to see it coming and know what your child’s body is asking for before it happens.
🎁 Think of it as your calm-before-the-chaos toolkit for the holidays.
🍽️ This Week’s Picky Eating Topic: I was on a podcast!
I recently sat down with a pediatric dietitian to unpack how tactile sensitivities and other sensory behaviors show up during mealtimes. We also talked about how well-meaning parents often try to “encourage” eating in ways that can actually backfire (and what to do instead).
🎥 Watch the full conversation here
💛 Gentle reminder:
You’re not falling behind.
This season doesn’t need to be perfect, just regulated enough to enjoy the moments that matter most.
You’ve got this,
Effie
