Life as a SEN mum

As if Christmas isn’t enough of a minefield, before you know it, it’s time to bring in the new year. Yet another day where usual routine can go out the window, where there’s a lot to send anyone into sensory overload and everyone starts to bang on about resolutions. For us it’s also a double celebration as it’s also Charlotte’s birthday, which brings a whole other set of balls to juggle.

So how can we navigate it in a way where we can celebrate it and not make it overly stressful. Here’s a few things that work for us.

Alternate each year

Since having kids (particularly since having Charlotte) we make sure we are at home for NYE, but that doesn’t mean we always have to host, or that we always have to spend it just as us. Whilst there might be people in and out during the day, the evening we alternate year on year, one year we spend it just as a family, and the next we will have a small selection of people round. Which brings me onto the next tip…

Keep it small

If you do want to host, think about who, and how many people you’re going to have. This sounds like a given regardless of situation, because the last thing we want is for our homes to be totally overrun. But if anyone in your home is autistic/has sensory needs, you’re going to need to give it extra thought. Are they going to be able to deal with other people in the house? Are there people they feel most comfortable around?

Safe spaces

Once you’ve made all your decision, make sure they have a safe space ready. Generally it’s going to be their bedroom, which at this time of year might have got a little untidy and chaotic with the influx of presents. Set some time aside to tidy up and have anything that can help them regulate to hand so that if they do become overwhelmed they can go into their safe space and instantly grab the things that are going to help calm them.

Other things to remember

It’s ok to not see NYE through to midnight. If the whole thing is going to be too overwhelming, that’s ok. Think of how a huge change in routine could affect your family, and do whatever is going to work best.

If you’re having a party at home, remember that you don’t need to recreate a pub or club experience, turn the music down slightly so you can actually talk to your guests and again avoid sensory overload.