My Experiences for a Peaceful School Year: Tips for Parents of Sensory-Sensitive Children

As a parent of a sensory-sensitive, highly sensitive child, I know all too well how challenging the transition to a new school year can be, especially when aiming for a stress-free start and avoiding sensory overload. New clothes that don't feel right, a busy classroom, and a different teacher—these changes can make your child feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable. Naturally, you want to prevent that. That's why I'm sharing some tips that have helped us make the start of the school year smoother.

The Importance of Comfortable Clothing

I cannot stress enough how important it is to ensure that your child wears comfortable clothing. If clothes are itchy, scratchy, or don't fit well, your child may feel distracted and unsafe all day long. And when they don't feel safe, concentrating on learning becomes nearly impossible. For sensory-sensitive children, it's crucial that they feel good in what they wear, and this is where sensory-friendly clothing for children can make a significant difference. Clothing without noticeable seams or irritating tags, like those from SAM, can really help. Since we switched to sensory-friendly clothing, I've noticed that my child is much calmer and more focused in class.

Transitioning from Summer to Winter: An Extra Challenge

The transition from summer to winter has always been a difficult period for us. In the summer, your child wears light, airy clothing that offers minimal sensory input. But as soon as the cold sets in and they have to wear thicker clothing, I notice that my child becomes overstimulated much more quickly. The extra layers cause sensory discomfort and stress, while school-related stress is also increasing. What really works for us is keeping the base layers sensory-friendly, especially when choosing winter clothing for highly sensitive children. Think soft, seamless underwear, seamless socks, and comfortable soft T-shirts and trousers without seams that minimize sensory input. This keeps your child's sensory bucket a bit emptier during the school day, which can prevent stress and meltdowns at the end of the day.

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Avoiding Morning Struggles: Socks and Clothes That Don't Irritate

Many parents initially think their child is overreacting about the seams in their socks. "It can't be that bad, right?" is a thought I once had too. But I now know it's different. Fortunately, there's increasing awareness and understanding of how intensely highly sensitive children experience sensory input. Those annoying seams can feel like a pebble in their shoe that won't go away. This might seem small, but it can have a significant impact on their mood and disrupt the entire morning. It's not just fussiness; it's a real experience that affects how your child starts their day.

Choosing seamless socks for sensitive feet has helped us enormously in avoiding morning struggles and making the day much calmer. And believe me, when the morning starts peacefully, it positively affects the rest of the day.

Difficulty Sitting Still in Class: Subtle Solutions

lIf your child has trouble sitting still, fidget elements like a fidget stress ball or a Zenkey fidget keychain can be a lifesaver. I give my child a subtle fidget accessory to take to school, like fidget toys for children with concentration problems, which can either be subtly attached to SAM clothing or hung on the pencil case. This really helps regulate tension in a subtle way and improve concentration without drawing attention in the classroom.

Preventing Concentration Problems & Sensory Overload

Sensory overload can make it difficult for my child to concentrate. What works for us is using headphones, which are often already available in the classroom. Weighted products also help to quickly calm down when overstimulated. SAM's weighted neck pillow offers a subtle way to provide deep pressure on the shoulders and quickly reduce sensory input. You can place the collar in your child's seat, allowing it to be used discreetly in class. Discuss this with the teacher to ensure your child feels safe and can focus on learning.

Coming Home Overstimulated: Ending the Day Calmly

With these tips, you can significantly reduce the chances of your child coming home overstimulated after a long school day. What has always worked well for us is planning a quiet moment right after school. A simple routine like having a cookie or a piece of fruit, combined with drinking plenty of water, can work wonders. Hunger and thirst are signals that highly sensitive children often notice too late, which can quickly lead to stressful situations. Additionally, chewing is very calming, making it an ideal activity to help your child unwind right after school and end the day relaxed.

We've had great success with the sensory-friendly clothing and accessories from SAM, specially designed for children with sensory sensitivity, such as autism, ADHD, or high sensitivity. From ultra-soft fabrics without noticeable seams to subtle fidget accessories, SAM helps children like mine feel comfortable and function better in a busy environment.

Do you want to give your child comfort and peace throughout the school year? Take a look at SAM's collection of sensory-friendly clothing. This way, you provide your child with the best foundation to feel safe and relaxed in the classroom. For more information, visit the SAM website. I hope these tips help make the school year go more smoothly for you. Good luck!