07/03/2025
Hey, parents- how do you feel about 4th of July BBQs?
Hot dogs. Cousins. Fireworks.
My guy lost it at ours last year, because someone took the last red popsicle… fun times!!
Even if it’s all “fun stuff,” it’s still a LOT for him (AND me!!)
To help him this year, we made a “CHILL PLAN" & here's what what we have planned to do-
1- As soon as we get to the party place, we'll find a quiet, air conditioned spot we can retreat to if feelings get too big.
2- We'll find the ice bucket, so we know just where to grab a few ice cubes to rub on our wrists when feelings heat up.
3- Then, we'll scope out a neighborhood path where we can both escape the crowd for a short, 1:1 walk.
4- I'll bring along some favorite comfort items- fidgets, his Matchbox cars, and even his weighted stuffie, all tucked away in a safe spot so we can get them in a flash later.
Parties are fun. Crowded places & family expectations can make them tricky for us.
Some say I'm being “extra" with this planning, but it can go a long way towards fewer blowups & more actual fun for us.
And if the BBQ goes sideways… we'll go home and watch the fireworks on TV.
That can be fun, too.
What are your plans this 4th of July? What works for you & your family to avoid making your own "fireworks" at these "festive" events?