3 Activities Parents Can Do With Their Children To Help When Their Kid Is Stressed
The challenges of parenting children with autism spectrum disorder,
or ASD, can sometimes be overwhelming. However, there are many things that parents can do to help their kids cope with stressful situations and behaviors. This list of three will offer ideas on how you can begin addressing your child’s specific needs and challenges.
1) Spend Time Outside
Some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle to cope with overwhelming situations or emotions. This can lead to sensory overload. Spending time outside is a great way to help your child cope with such situations by giving them an opportunity to reconnect with nature and get some fresh air while playing in a less stimulating environment. This can help encourage play and social skills while allowing the child to redirect their energy. Research has shown that spending time outdoors is beneficial in a number of ways. In an article from The Marcus Autism Center, they explain that “Play in natural environments encourages language and cooperative skills. Outdoor play can improve awareness, reasoning, and observational skills. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress.”
2) Make Edible Jewelry or Crafts
Crafts are an excellent way to help a child relax and improve focus. It’s important to remember that when it comes to behavior, there’s rarely a single cause; stressful situations or events could be causing your child to become anxious, angry, or frustrated. The next time you notice your child having struggling, try making something together. Crafts provide a multi-faceted activity and children can explore new and exciting ways to express their creativity while crafting. If your child is prone to putting inedible objects in their mouth, replace those materials with crafting materials they can eat like sugar free gum drops, dried fruit, or aa homemade edible adhesive. Encourage your kids to make their own crafts rather than buying pre-made ones at stores.
3) Use Emotion Cards
A great activity to connect with your child on an emotional level is to use emotion cards. For example, if you notice they are having a hard time focusing on schoolwork, try to identify how their brain may be feeling under that pressure. Ask them to point out how they are feeling and use that to learn more about what it’s like for them in that moment; then share with them what emotions you think they may be experiencing using cards that use both an illustrative and written example of emotions. You can use this to help guide them through possible solutions to the problem at hand. While empathy isn’t easy to do, it is one of best ways parents can help their children during stressful times or moments of anxiety or frustration.
Engaging in activities with your children will improve your quality of life and theirs. It is also important to have a common activity that you can do together on a regular basis. There are many positive benefits that come from engaging in fun activities with your children; not only will they learn many different skills, but they will also gain more confidence and become more creative at an early age. Learn more about ABA Therapy at our archive below. We are Mandt Certified to increase relationship building and decrease restraints. To learn more about the Mandt System, click here!
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Creating fun and engaging play experiences for toddlers with ASD requires understanding their unique interests and sensory needs. Sensory play, cause-and-effect toys, imitative activities, visual supports, and interactive music all offer opportunities for parents and caregivers to connect with their children through play. By focusing on the child’s strengths and adapting activities to their preferences, families can create enriching playtime experiences that foster development, build communication skills, and strengthen social connections.
Using reinforcement as part of potty training can make the process more effective, positive, and rewarding for both parents and children. By selecting meaningful rewards, maintaining consistency, and focusing on positive reinforcement, parents can help their child develop this important skill with confidence.
Incorporating ABA principles into family activities not only enhances engagement but also promotes learning and social skills development. By planning outings and activities that are inclusive and supportive, families can create enjoyable experiences that foster connections and understanding. Whether through nature walks, cooking together, or engaging in community events, the focus should always be on reinforcing positive behaviors and celebrating achievements. Ultimately, these shared experiences can strengthen family bonds while empowering children with ASD to thrive.