22/12/2025
The holiday season is full of excitement, bright lights, busy shops, family gatherings and lots of new experiences. For little ones, this can sometimes be overwhelming. Sensory overload happens when too many sights, sounds, textures or environments come at them at once, way faster than their nervous system can process.
Signs of sensory overload can include clinginess, crying, irritability, wanting to leave a space, covering their ears, becoming quiet or melting down seemingly “out of nowhere”. It isn’t misbehaviour. It’s simply a child communicating that their body and brain need a break.
Here are a few things that can help your little one cope during the festive season:
💚 Keep outings short and slow when you can
⭐️ Offer breaks in quiet, calm spaces
❤️ Bring a comfort object (dummy, blankie, soft toy)
🧸 Stick to familiar routines around sleep and meals
💛 Watch for early signs of overwhelm before it escalates
🪁 Hold, cuddle or carry them if they need grounding
Remember that little nervous systems are still developing. A calm parent and a gentle pace make the world feel more manageable for your child. The holidays can be fun, but they can also be a lot. If your child becomes overwhelmed, it’s not a reflection of your parenting but simply part of being small in a very busy world.
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