The parades, picnics, family gatherings and fireworks are what make the Fourth of July a favorite holiday for many. While the events that surround this holiday are often highly anticipated for families, a lot of the festivities that go along with the day can be very challenging for the highly sensitive child. Here are four 4th of July challenges for the highly sensitive child and strategies to help.

fourth of july highly sensitive

4th of July Challenges for the Highly Sensitive Child and Strategies to Help

Challenge #1- Parades

Parades involve a lot of sensory input. There are crowds, loud sirens and horns, music from marching bands, candy being thrown and lots to look at from every direction.
parade

Strategy:

Provide your child with as much information as you can about the parade. What types of noises can they expect, what they will see. Will there be fire engines, floats, bands, people in costume? See if the town has a website with information about the parade and go from there.

Then the day of the parade, arrive early, This will allow your child to warm up to their environment. You won’t have to fight crowds to find a spot to sit and your child can have a chance to take in all the sights, smells, and sounds at their own pace, with little distractions. It is much easier for your child to get used to a new setting before the street fills with people and other stimulating sensory input.

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Challenge #2- Picnics

Parents of highly sensitive children know the struggles that come with getting their kids to eat food that is new or unfamiliar. Like most children, HSCs like familiar foods prepared in familiar ways. Unlike other children though, they may have the added challenge of a heightened sensitivity to food smells, textures and taste.

fourth of july food

Strategy:

Figuring out what your child will eat at a holiday picnic can be stressful. It is important to understand that this is not the time to force your child to be more adventurous in their eating or start a battle about food.

Eat before you go. This takes a lot of the pressure off everyone. This way you know your child got something nutritious and can therefore be a little more relaxed about the fact that they are stuffing their mouth with chips and candy for the rest of the day/night

Bring a familiar dish that you know your child will enjoy. If the host insists that you do not bring anything, discuss bringing a small dish of food to microwave for your child. Most people are understanding, but some (usually those without kids) just won’t get it. Shrug off judgement. You know your child best and are the one who will have to deal with their meltdown.

Pack healthy snacks. If your child refuses to eat the food at the picnic, they are bound to get hangry (hungry + angry). Make sure to pack lots of nutritious and filling snacks like apple slices, raisins, and nuts.

Choose your battles wisely. Eating hot dog rolls and ice cream won’t hurt them for one day. Make a plan and try again for next time!

Challenge #3 – Family and friends who do not understand high sensitivity

The Fourth of July often involves family and friends gathering together. This can be great unless someone begins commenting on how your HSC is handling things or how you are parenting them. highly sensitive girl

Strategy:

It is completely normal to feel frustrated and upset, but do your best to stay calm. Check out my post When family members don’t understand or accept the highly sensitive person for tips on how to handle any unsolicited responses.

Challenge #4 – Fireworks

After a long day of parades, picnics, being outside in the heat, and spending time with the family, adding a fireworks show to the end of the day is a recipe for a sensory meltdown. Your child is most likely exhausted from the day and is staying up later than their usual bedtime. Pairing exhaustion with very loud booms and bright explosions in the sky can be all too much for an HSC.

fourth of july fireworks

Strategy:

So the first option, avoiding them all together, is pretty obvious, but if it is part of a family event or people are setting them off at a party, ear plugs or noise blocking headphones are a huge help. We have used these in the past for both of my sons. My 8 year old no longer needs them, but my 5 year old loves his and they help him feel safe when the loud booms start.

If your child has trouble with crowds, consider sitting as far away as possible while still being able to see. This will not only help your child feel more secure, but you can make a quick exit and beat the crowds when it’s time to leave.

Know your Child’s Limits

The Fourth of July offers many opportunities for fun throughout the day. As always, you want to prepare your child ahead of time for any celebration. Do your best to provide them with a loose schedule for the day. Knowing what to expect will help your HSC know what to expect and will go a long way in increasing your child’s comfort. Be mindful of your child’s limits and monitor how they are handling the day. If it starts to get too overwhelming for them, validate their feelings, find a quiet place for them to regroup and most importantly know when to call it a day. Keep these strategies in mind as you and your family celebrate the 4th of July this year.