How to Support Your Child’s Sensory Needs During Summer Break
by Reagan Mayberry, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist / Owner of Pine Belt Therapy Services
Summer break is such a fun time for kids — longer days, vacations, popsicles, sprinkler runs. But for many families I work with, summer can also bring a surprising amount of stress. When the school-year structure disappears and the sensory input ramps up, it can feel like everything is just… a lot.
If you’re noticing more meltdowns, hyperactivity, or shutdowns since school let out, you’re not alone — and you’re not doing anything wrong. Let’s talk about why this happens and what you can do to help support your child’s sensory needs during summer break.
🌟 First, What Are Sensory Needs?
All of us take in sensory input — the things we see, hear, touch, smell, and feel through movement. But not all nervous systems process that input the same way.
Some kids seek out more — they might love jumping, spinning, crashing, or touching everything in sight. Others are super sensitive — things like loud noises, bright lights, or itchy clothes might feel overwhelming. And many children are a mix of both, depending on the day.
If you’ve ever thought, “Why does my child freak out in crowds?” or “Why do they crash into everything the second they wake up?” — chances are, sensory needs are at play.
☀️ Why Summer Can Be Overwhelming
During the school year, days are generally predictable. There are routines, familiar environments, and built-in sensory input like recess, PE, and movement breaks. But summer?
It can flip all of that upside down.
Even though it’s fun, summer often brings a lot more unpredictable and intense sensory input — bright sun, loud parades, sticky sunscreen, busy family gatherings. Routines are looser. Sleep schedules shift. And suddenly your child might feel completely out of sync.
Even good things (like fireworks, pool parties, or amusement parks) can be too much for a nervous system that’s working hard to stay regulated.
🚩 Signs Your Child Might Be Feeling Sensory Overload
Many parents share that summer seems to bring out more meltdowns, avoidance, or extreme energy shifts in their kids. If you’re noticing things like:
More frequent meltdowns or mood swings
Avoiding places they used to enjoy
Acting wild one minute and shutting down the next
Major struggles getting out the door
...you’re not alone. These can all be signs that your child’s sensory system is overwhelmed and trying to make sense of a world that suddenly feels less predictable.
🛠 Easy Sensory Strategies to Try at Home
The good news? You don’t need a sensory gym or a perfectly curated Pinterest board to help. Here are some simple, doable ways to meet your child’s sensory needs this summer:
👋 Tactile (Touch) Input
Water play (think cups, buckets, squirt toys)
Shaving cream or finger painting on a tray
Sensory bins with rice, beans, or kinetic sand
🦶 Proprioceptive (Heavy Work) Input
Jumping on a mini-trampoline
Animal walks like bear crawls or crab walks
Pushing a laundry basket or carrying groceries
🌀 Vestibular (Movement) Input
Swinging at the park
Rolling down a hill or wrapping up in a blanket
Spinning on a swivel chair (with limits!)
These kinds of activities help kids feel their bodies better, calm down faster, and stay more focused — even during the busiest summer days.
🗓 Creating a Sensory-Friendly Summer Routine
I’m not saying you need to plan every minute of every day (please don’t!), but anchoring your child’s day with a bit of predictable structure can make a big difference.
Here are a few tricks I use with families I work with:
Visual schedules — even just 3–4 pictures or words of “what’s next”
Built-in sensory breaks — before errands, after screen time, before bedtime
Timers or countdowns — especially for transitions
Quiet corners — a cozy spot with a blanket, book, or favorite fidget
Summer doesn’t have to be rigid — but a little bit of rhythm can really help kids feel more in control.
💬 When to Reach Out for Support
If you’ve tried a few strategies and things still feel hard — or if you just want some help figuring out where to start — occupational therapy might be a great next step.
In Tennessee, you don’t need a referral or diagnosis to reach out. OT can give your child tools to regulate their body, handle transitions, and enjoy the activities they want to do without getting overwhelmed.
💚 You're Not Alone
Every child has sensory needs. Some just need a little more support to navigate a world that isn’t always designed with them in mind. If this summer has felt challenging, know that it’s not a reflection of your parenting — it’s a call for connection, not correction.
I’m here to help.
Visit www.pinebelttherapyservices.com to learn more or send me a message. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
