September is Self-Care Awareness Month! Self-care is a phrase that gets tossed around a lot, especially on social media. But what does it actually mean? The definition can vary widely, depending on who you ask. Today, we’re looking at how to support kids with self-care, or self-help, tips they can use every day.

With all the stressors and complications of adulthood, some people label childhood “simple” and “carefree.” But anyone who has kids or thoughtfully recalls their youth knows that’s far from true! Just because they don’t have a mortgage or pile of laundry to fold doesn’t mean kids have it easy.

Back to school is full of possibilities, opportunities, and challenges. Most kids and parents have mixed feelings about the new school year, and that’s totally understandable. New beginnings are both exciting and scary!

One challenge that’s easy to overlook is the school cafeteria. Lunch rooms are not usually as monitored or structured as classrooms, making them something of a sensory free-for-all. While lunch can be a fun time to socialize and swap snacks, it can also be an overwhelming environment for sensory kids.

But don’t worry! Today, we’re looking at simple ways your sensory child can make the most of mealtime at school. 

All of our senses are super important- they’re how we communicate with the world, and observe what’s around us. One of the biggest reasons that kids need playtime is that physical activities help kids learn about the world around them. Playtime isn’t just for fun- it grows a child’s mind!

The new school year is just around the corner, and that means preparations are underway! It’s an exciting time when parents, educators, and kids come together to invest in one another and the future. 

Creating a sensory-informed classroom is just one way to support the students in your life. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom setting or a homeschool mom or dad holding it down at home, these tips can help make this year’s classroom (or home school work area) the best one yet!