Successful Summer Celebrations
[1]Summer is a time to unwind, relax and have a bit of fun. Children with special needs may be thrown off balance with the change of routine and added family celebrations. But rather than throw in the towel and not attend these festivities, a little planning and a little creativity can make for a successful gathering. As you plan your summer celebrations, think about these quick pick ideas for making them fun for everyone. Create and bring a travel bag of tricks that have the comforts of home. Small fidget toys, like Tangles [2] may give kids the confidence they need to socialize with others. Plan a place for downtime should the party get rowdy. A quiet time activity like Rush Hour® Jr [3] by Thinkfun, Inc [4]. used in a quiet corner of the house may help children soothe and calm themselves. Thinkfun products include bags to store pieces and parts to every game!
Party Fun!
[5]Party foods are often a part of the festivities but with uncontrolled eating or policing, kids can go overboard with foods that will affect allergies, attention, anxiety, mood and energy. Create your own “approved” snacks in fun bite-size shaped pieces with FunBites® cutters [6]. They’ll easily cut bread, watermelon, cheese and burgers! If your kids are reticent and less likely to jump into the conversations, give them a “job” to do. Being a photographer can help with awkward family.
[7]
Reviewed by Ellen Metrick, Director of Industry Relations &Partnerships, National Lekotek Center; [email protected]
The Crosswind Concepts Freedom Chair
[8]The Crosswind Concepts Freedom Chair works great to transport wheelchair users across difficult and rough surfaces. Sand, dirt, twigs, snow, and rocks won’t slow down the Freedom Chair. This easy-to-use device allows wheelchair users access to trails, beaches, camping and paths making outdoor fun possible and more enjoyable. For transport, the lightweight (19-23 lbs.) and durable (made from aircraft grade aluminum) Freedom Chair easily folds and fits in most car trunks. The Freedom Chair can also be used in emergencies as an evacuation chair to transport people up and down stairs and can hold approximately 650 pounds. This is an all-purpose device that even has the availability of an umbrella and “beach tires”. There is almost no place it, AND YOU, can’t go.
Visit: www.crosswindconcepts.com/freedom-chair.html [9]
DuoSpoon
[10]If your child has sensory challenges, this newly designed spoon may be the answer. The DuoSpoon [11] is an oral motor tool that can assist in the transition between soft and textured foods. It is made of sturdy, yet flexible, FDA approved silicone and one side (the textured “speed bump” side) acts as an aid in increasing upper lip activity in food removal. The “smooth” side has a shallow bowl which is excellent for beginners or those with poor oral motor skill. This is two tools in one and children love the playful texture.
From www.mealtimenotions.com [12]
Helpful Books for Parents of Children with Special Needs
[13]Party Planning for Children and Teens on the Autism Spectrum How to Avoid Meltdowns and Have Fun!
by Kate E. Reynolds, Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Parties and celebrations can be highly challenging for children and teens on the autism spectrum and they can often feel reluctant to participate. This book shows that if parties embrace the differences intrinsic to autism, and are planned carefully, they can be inclusive events enjoyed by all. Drawing on personal experience, the author highlights aspects of conventional parties that can heighten the anxieties of those on the spectrum and outlines practical solutions to these issues.
Buy it at
Amazon.com [14]
Goodreads [15]
Thriftbooks [16]
101 Kids Activities That Are the Bestest, Funnest Ever!
[17]by Holly Homer and Rachel Miller, Page Street Publishing
Whether your kid is 3, 5 or 12 years old, there are hundreds of fun, educational and engaging things to do in this book. When they ask to watch television, you’ll have the perfect solution. This book has time-tested, exciting activities (even one-of-a-kind activities) to keep your children laughing and learning for the whole day, every day.
Buy it at
Amazon [18]
Goodreads [19]
Thriftbooks [20]
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Do you have a product you would like to share with our readers? Please fill our form describing your product. We are happy to review your product. Visit https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/submit/product/ [21] for the form.
Read More Products You Can Use [22]
Helpful Articles
- Think Camp Yes, You Can Send Your Child to Camp [23]
- How to Plan a Safe and Fun Summer (Part 2) [24]
- Summer Preparation: 8 Steps [25]
- Searching for the Right Summer Camp! [26]
- Seven Questions Parents Should Ask When Choosing a Camp [27]
- Summer Camp Organization [28]
- Relationship Rescue: Sleep Away Camp: Is your child ready? [29]
- Summer Camps [30]
- 5 Special Camps [31]
- Cooking with Kids: Campfire Banana Boats at Home [32]
- Top 10 Fun and Accessible Activities to Do This Summer [33]
- Summer Travel & Outdoor Fun with Apps [34]
This post originally appeared on our July/August 2014 Magazine [35]