Fun activities for our neurotypical kids this half term

It's getting dark so much earlier now in the evenings.  This means the kids I have that need to burn off steam can not longer do it outside in the same way.  We need a little more ideas, but thankfully, even though it's dark out, we can still have some fun.   Here's some great weird, wild and wonderful things to do this October Half Term around the theme of butterflies - not something you might usually think about this time of year.

Taking my kids to the Falconry display and crafting a barn owl family

We're spending a lot of time at home this summer.  A combination of budgets, timings and other activities going on in our lives.  We are fortunate to live not far from Hampton Court and they have some events on.  This year we have been to the jousting which all the kids enjoyed and we also saw a falconry display there too.  It went well and we have a craft to make as well. 

Three Diwali craft ideas for our autistic kids

It's Diwali!  This is a wonderful tradition originating in India, known to many as the festival of light.  But it’s not just about lights and legends –– Diwali is a time to have fun with friends and family! People exchange gifts and sweets, enjoy delicious feasts, watch firework displays and wear new clothes.  For us, it's a time to learn and we can celebrate with some fun Diwali themed activities. 

Tips to help prepare for a camping trip with autistic kids

We've been camping a few times now and we've also tried going away in a motorhome. Camping can be great fun but like everything with autistic kids it always works best with a bit of preparation. 

Ideas to help our autistic kids celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee

Finally it's the weather for outdoor parties and celebrations - and the Jubilee is right around the corner! Big festivals and street parties are currently not something we could consider going to as there's usually a lot going on and our autistic kids can struggle with this and all the sensory input. So why not take advantage and enjoyed a little autism friendly mini party or festival in your own garden.

Vegan burrowing Bunny Cupcakes activity for Easter

There's always plenty of food involved in Easter.  The kids love the Easter egg hunt in the garden and then there are the hundreds of hot cross buns consumed (one of Anthony's favourite snacks that are thankfully available all year round).  This year we're re-inventing our burrowing bunny cupcakes that help with their spatial reasoning, motor skills development as a vegan treat with Oreos to boot. 

Make a recycled pearl of wisdom craft to support our kids in 2022

It's been another strange year for our kids.  Things have been constantly changing and we've not been able to do things like we would usually.  We haven't met up with family as much, school has been different, places have been closed to name just a few.  Sometimes it can be overwhelming and having one thing to think about or to focus on, a 'pearl of wisdom' can help. 

Helping our autistic kids get ready for Christmas

Christmas brings with it many changes.  Despite being a very exciting time of year the upheaval and appearances around the home can cause some stress.  We prepare our autistic and neurotypical kids get ready by writing Christmas cards, making timetables and preparing the home all before this happens.

Celebrate the Paralympic Games - a medal craft

Helping kids understand or engage with sports events can sometimes be a challenge whether they have autism or not.  This year the kids got right behind the Olympic Games and we are excited to see the Paralympics kick off.  There's been a bit of controversy about some of the promotion of the Paralympics Games and the tag lines on some adverts saying it's 'Rude not to stare'.   

Easter break activities and games for my kids at home

It's the last week of Easter Break and despite the weather trying to convince us otherwise, it's spring at last.  So what can we do to keep our kids busy at home for the last week of the Easter holidays?

Looking back over 2020 with our autistic, ADHD and neurotypical family

Usually at this time, I'd scan through my blog and pick and best posts over the last year.  Previously it has including how we helped our amazing son zip line not only in the forests of Maui but across the Canadian Rockies and the moment when for the first time in his life, our son didn't cry about going back to school. But it's not really been one of those years has it?  

String and paint fireworks sensory activity

Usually we would spend  a lot of time in our house looking out the bedroom windows over fireworks weekend. Fireworks used to be a real worry for us but slowly, the boys have come to delight in the sparkles in the sky.  We prepare for them coming but this year the big displays might not be happening at all.  So we don't miss out, we have fun in other ways and this string and paint sensory craft is a fun way to remember about them.

Trying to get time to yourself when you are a parent

 

Raising children is one of the best and one of the most time-consuming jobs ever. Taking care of the kids as they grow up is mentally exhausting.  And for the last eight months I've been with them a lot more than I would usually.  For several months they were not at school, or at least not full time, we didn't get any the usual breaks during 'holidays' and we are often all just in the house on top of each other too. To cope with this, I've got to do something else other than worry about what's currently not working for my kids.

Celebrating our trip to the beach with a coral reef motor skills and learning craft

Although the beach can be a challenge for us - it can also be great.  Quieter beaches are better and these can often be rocky.  This year we had a summer staycation and spent some of the summer up at my parents place on the North Coast of Scotland, stomping around the coastline, finding creatures in the rock pools and spotting creatures out at sea.   We weren't sure if we would make it there this year but managed to see them for a week as the lockdown rules relaxed.   

Making scrapbooks

While lockdown has meant many days at home, it's looking like we may be here for a lot of the summer too.  Sometimes a fun activity like scrapbooking can be a great way to build motor skills and planning skills along with recalling and using your imagination.  All stuff my kids could use the practice with.

Easter activities for my kids at home

It's almost Easter and we might not be able to do the same things we usually do.  Those of us who may go to Church probably can't and there will be no big family gatherings.  We're not even meant to go out to get things like Easter Eggs or other special items so what are we doing with the kids this Easter?

Parents need some time to themselves

Raising children is one of the best and one of the most time-consuming jobs ever. Taking care of the kids as they grow up is mentally exhausting. They constantly need help and support and it's our job to minimise distress whilst at the same time helping with learn to cope with it. But to cope with this, I've got to do something else too, other than worry about what's currently not working for my kids.

Fun craft to help kids with dressing

The weather is getting a little warmer.  There's slightly less frost in the mornings and some days it's getting into the teens! So, it's time to think about what we are putting on.

Preparing our autistic kids for snow

It's nearly the end of January, and as our eldest proclaims "It might snow soon."  Like many autistic kids, Anthony thinks mostly in black and white, but the weather isn't always compliant.  Over the years he's come to realise that snow in our country is more rare than where his cousin lives in the USA and he confirms that his best chance of having some is late January.  So as snow is a rarity, and my autistic kids fear the unknown, how can I help my kids get ready for it? 

Make a Pearl of Wisdom for the New Year 2019

Too many messages can be confusing for many kids.  Especially ones like some of mine with autism and ADHD, or just when they are younger, like Jane, thinking of many things can be challenging. We tried this fun kids craft, highlighting a 'pearl of wisdom' or a special thing for the kids to remember for 2019, a bit like a New Years resolution for kids.