Sensory Tips and Support from Move U Pediatric Therapy
Sponsored by Move U
The holidays are full of sights, sounds, and smells—from twinkling Christmas lights to the aroma of freshly baked treats. While these experiences are joyful for many, children who struggle with sensory processing, motor planning, or communication may find the season overwhelming.
Extra trips to see Santa, shop for gifts, attend holiday gatherings, or navigate crowded stores can disrupt routines, increase stress, and impact your child’s behavior and ability to participate fully in activities.
At Move U Pediatric Therapy, we specialize in supporting children with a wide range of developmental, physical, and sensory needs. Our team provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services in a child-led, play-based approach that meets your child where they are—helping them build confidence, skills, and independence.
We offer free 20-minute consultations for all therapy services, giving families a chance to explore how we can support their child’s unique needs.
Common Struggles Parents May Notice During the Holidays
Some challenges you may see in your child during the holiday season include:
- Overstimulation in crowded or noisy environments: Malls, holiday parties, or festive events may be overwhelming, leading to meltdowns, withdrawal, or refusal to participate.
- Difficulty transitioning between activities: Sudden changes in routine, like moving from home to a holiday party, can increase anxiety and resistance.
- Challenges with fine or gross motor tasks: Wrapping gifts, opening presents, or navigating stairs while carrying items may be tricky for children with coordination or motor planning difficulties.
- Sensitivity to textures, tastes, or smells: Holiday foods, clothing, or decorations may trigger aversions or sensory discomfort.
- Sleep disruption: Excitement, altered routines, and increased activity can negatively impact sleep, which in turn affects behavior and emotional regulation.
- Communication struggles: Children who have difficulty expressing needs may become frustrated or withdrawn in new or busy environments.
Practical Sensory Strategies for a Calmer Holiday
- Create a daily schedule: Predictability helps children feel secure. Depending on your child’s age, this could be a simple list of events or a visual schedule using pictures or clip art in sequential order. Remove each item as it’s completed to give a sense of accomplishment.
- Provide your child with a “job” or task: In stores, your child can hold the shopping list and check items off, push a heavier cart, or help carry groceries. These activities provide grounding muscle work and help maintain a regulated state.
- Empower your child with choices: Allow them to decide how they interact with Santa—shaking hands, giving a high five, waving, or simply standing nearby. Providing options builds comfort and control, reducing stress around new experiences.
- Incorporate a “body warm-up”: Before wearing dressy clothes for programs or gatherings, engage your child in fun, movement-based activities like pillow fights, jumping, or stretching. These activities provide touch exposure, muscle engagement, and sensory input, helping your child transition more smoothly into the day’s events.
- Designate a “take a break” space: Whether at home or visiting others, having a quiet, safe spot for your child to retreat to when overwhelmed can prevent meltdowns and provide a sense of security.
- Maintain a consistent sleep routine: Sleep is essential for emotional regulation and overall well-being. Prioritizing sleep for both children and caregivers sets the foundation for a calmer, more enjoyable holiday season.
How Move U Can Help
At Move U Pediatric Therapy, our team is trained in navigating challenging behaviors, sensory sensitivities, motor coordination struggles, and communication delays. We partner with families to create strategies that work in real-life holiday situations, helping children thrive at home, in school, and in the community.
Our therapists provide individualized plans and practical tools to:
- Reduce stress and anxiety in sensory-rich environments
- Improve fine and gross motor skills needed for daily activities and holiday tasks
- Support self-regulation strategies for behavior and emotional control
- Enhance communication skills for expressing needs and participating socially
Take advantage of our free 20-minute consultation to learn how physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can support your child this holiday season. Let us help your family create a joyful, manageable, and meaningful holiday experience.
About the Author
Kristin, pediatric occupational therapist and director of Move U, has nearly 20 years of experience, certified in Ayres Sensory Integration, STAR ProCert Level 2, and DIRFloortime. She helps children build skills through play and sensory-based strategies, supporting attention, coordination, self-regulation, and confidence, while partnering with families for meaningful, joy-filled therapy.
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