SURVIVING SUMMER WITH SEND STRATEGIES by SEN Parents for SEN Parents!
Simple Regulation Ideas for SEND Kids with Sensory Needs
Summer’s lovely, but let’s be honest it can also be a lot. Our CYP’s SEND can be impacted profoundly as routines go out the window, everything’s louder, hotter, busier… and if you’ve got children with sensory processing or emotional regulation difficulties, it’s like turning up the volume on chaos.
So here’s a basic breakdown — simple, practical activities from SEN Parent Support Group that can help our children stay regulated over the holidays. Home or garden. No fuss. Low prep. Made easy by age categorisation because we as SEND Parents need things to be simple such as:
Ages 0–5: Gentle and Predictable
Our little ones thrive on rhythm and calm. Think low stimulation and sensory exploration.
Water trays & sponges: Great for hand-eye coordination and soothing sensory input.
Messy play: Cornflour slime, jelly play, or edible sand. Expect mess. Embrace it.
Music bubbles: Soft songs + bubbles = magic combo for calming overstimulated toddlers.
Mini trampoline or wobble cushion time: Let them bounce it out before transitions.
“Emotions Management Daily Diary” time: Even little ones can start learning how we name feelings draw faces, colour moods, keep it visual. We have resources for this within our group here or within our Website Resource-hub here!
Tip: Keep transitions clear with visual cues. Picture cards, songs for tidy-up they help build security.
Ages 5–12: Big Feelings, Big Energy
This stage is full-on. Kids are often more verbal but still struggle with overload especially if the days lack predictability.
Obstacle course in the garden: Old cushions, tunnels, buckets make it fun and let them crash safely.
Nature scavenger hunt: Ticks the sensory and motor boxes without screens.
Sensory bottles or fidget trays indoors: For those quiet moments or meltdown prevention.
Body pressure games: Roll up in a blanket burrito or do some wheelbarrow walking.
Reflection time with our free resource “Emotions Management Daily Diary”: It’s perfect for helping kids name and reflect on what’s felt overwhelming or positive that day.
Note: Validate and name feelings. “Looks like today felt too loud, shall we scribble it out in your diary?”
Ages 13–16: Autonomy Meets Overwhelm
Teens might “seem” independent, but inside there’s still emotional dysregulation brewing especially if things feel socially overwhelming or unstructured.
Create a “regulation playlist”: Let them choose music that grounds them. Ear defenders optional.
Sensory DIY: Weighted lap pad with rice in an old pillowcase. Lavender-scented heat packs.
Quiet hobby space: Puzzles, art, Lego or activities that don’t demand interaction.
Structured chill routines: Journaling, yoga vids, or even just gardening with headphones on.
Daily Diary check-in (no pressure!): Our group’s free “Emotions Management Daily Diary” helps them notice patterns. If they resist writing let them voice note instead.
Remember: Teen regulation looks different. Give space, but don’t disappear. Be gently available.
Don’t forget our SEN Parent Support Group offers the “Emotions Management Daily Diary” as a free download accessible via our website under our resource hub here. It’s designed for SEND children and teens to reflect, process, and build emotional language over time in a gentle, visual way.
Holidays can be hard, for them and us. Let’s drop the pressure to make it “perfect” and aim for “connected and calm.” You’re doing better than you think.
In our SEND Educational Support Group we have lots of activities going on over the summer holidays – Join here: Closed Facebook Group SEN Parent Support Group to access this and much more:
Art Competitions
Parent Empowerment Learning Quiz’s
Live on line coffee meet ups
Sessions focussing on YOUR mental health and much much more!
Head on over via our socials within our website or the live links within this blog.
Thank you !
🧡 With you in the trenches – SEN Parent Support Group
We are SEND Educational Experts, trained in SEND Law and are here to support you on your journey!
Click here to access our socials & renowned free support via our closed Facebook Group!
For more information message info@senparentsupportgroup.org
