Madhatter Mama - Parenting In Today's World

The More We Know....

Communication comes in many different forms for everyone. 📣

Some may even use AAC devices to help communicate
(augmentative and alternative communication)

With a mixture of all these forms of communication we can share our needs and wants with the world around us.

Please listen closely to someone who may not have verbal language, they still have so much to share.

Remember LOVE NEEDS NO WORDS! 💜🧡💚

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Spring is in the air!!

Time to start planning some fun sensory play activities to keep those little ones busy. Our little guy loves sensory play with little items he can pick up and roll. This gardening sensory bin is definitely going to be a hit around here. How easy is it to switch the seeds or beans to give new shapes and textures too? And it introduces the kiddos to the wonderful world of gardening. I love it! Try it with your little ones.

Remember we got this! Go have some sensory fun!

Check it out at https://www.colorthemoon.com/post/garden-sensory-bin

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I WONDER, WEDNESDAY ❓🧐

Thought this would be a fun way to get to know one another, grow, support and celebrate together! Every Wednesday we will post a "I wonder question, feel free to post your answer in the comments and read and enjoy others.

I WONDER....
What is your or your child's current or favorite stim?

Check out ours in the comments

FUN FACT: ☺️Stim is short for “self-stimulation,” and is defined as repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech done by a person.

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photo credit

Sensory issues and eating are a daily struggle in many homes. Ours is no different. Trying new foods with different textures, sizes, tastes and even looks can be a real challenge. Its not being a picky eater, it really is hard to overcome some of these sensory differences.

One tip we leant and are practicing every day is just getting comfortable with the new food. Put a few blueberries in a bowl. Have them join us for meal time. Let's pick them, roll them, smell them, touch them, maybe put up to our mouth. Then celebrate that win. Make it a game with the goal of just getting to know the new food. We have been trying this everyday. I have also been setting an example by eating the new foods in front of my little. Mixing it up and having fun. Trying new foods, at different meals and keeping it light. You just never know when something is going to be a new favorite until you try right?

This has worked with our family just remember every child is different. Consult your doctor and therapist for the perfect plan for your child's eating needs.

Never let anyone tell you that different is less!
💙❤💛💚🧡💜

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Learning is such an important part of any child's life.
When it comes to our special needs children, its not only important but crucial to have as many chances to learn life skills as possible.

To help promote at home learning and fun we would like to share with you a weekly educational post that ticks all those boxes. So you as the parent or caregiver can help your amazing kiddo grow and learn. That being said we know how busy you are that's where we come in. We come across these great activities
and ideas and share them here on Madhatter Mama - Parenting In Today's World every week. Just come on by and get some inspiration.

This activity hits the mark in so many ways. Its a great way to introduce and teach numbers and math skills

Its also a really great way to teach object permanence. This is the skill of understanding that items or people still exist even when you can't see or hear them. Take this one step further and cover the opening to your box then help you child find it.

Another skill it works on is a child's fine motor skills.
If your little one is anything like mine, watching the pompom pop out the bottom is so exciting too!

Remember Madhatters, together we got this! Go have some pompom fun!!!

Go check out https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/math-activities-for-kindergarten/ for all the directions to making yours.

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Happy Easter Madhatters 🐰🐥❤️

Whether you celebrate or not we hope you have an amazing day full of love, family and laughter.

Remember celebrate however fits your family. There is no right or wrong way. Just have fun🐥

Come along for a Big Easter Adventure with Pete the Cat.

Story time can come in many forms, regardless if you read, listen or watch story time creates lasting memories with your little one.

Enjoy this sweet little Easter story 🐰🐣❤️

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PETE THE CAT BIG EASTER ADVENTURE Read Aloud ~ Easter Stories for Kids ~ Kids Read Along Books Follow along with Grandma as she reads aloud PETE THE CAT BIG EASTER ADVENTURE! Pete the cat gets a note from the Easter Bunny in his Easter Basket. Listen...

Easter like many other holidays can be tricky for families like many of ours. So many things that can be a sensory nightmare. However that doesn't mean we can't alter the activities so our kiddos can enjoy in the festivities too!

Check out this awesome post on setting up a sensory friendly Easter that everyone can enjoy!

Happy Easter 🐰🐣❤️

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Different Not Less ❤️ Never Forget That!

In light of Autism Acceptance Month I felt it was fitting to share some thank yous.

Thank yous to my sweet boy.

Thank you for coming into our lives and filling our hearts with love and joy we didn't know we were missing.

Thank you for showing us that different is not only ok, but should be welcomed in the world because it makes us all alittle better.

Thank you for slowing me down. For humbling me. Making me appreciate the little things in life. Finding beauty in the smallest leaf, flower or blade of grass.

Thank you for showing me with your soft touches and sweet kisses that love really needs no words.

Thank you for sharing your flapping hands, silly giggles and big, glowing smile.

Thank you for letting me into your world and showing me just how beautiful it is.

Thank you for giving me the chance to help the world see who you really are.

I promise that together we will keep spreading love, laughter and awareness.

April is Autism Acceptance Month. However in our lives Autism is an everyday thing. Together we can all grow and learn how beautiful this world is.

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🎃 Looking for printable Halloween colouring pages? check out the suburban moms link below. All credit goes to the suburban mom for this link. 🎃

200+ Free Halloween Coloring Pages For Kids - The Suburban Mom Looking for kids coloring pages? Get ready for Halloween with 200+ Free Halloween Coloring Pages For Kids, roundup of free printable coloring pages.

Thought I’d share this. I’m sure many can relate. 🙈

Fantastic way to look at a shift in parenting mindset 💭

Autism is unique and diverse. As unique as each and every one of us humans sharing planet earth.

Understanding and recognizing that we are all different and different is beautiful will help create a future full of love and acceptance for everyone ♥️

Share, love and support Madhatters!!!

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Sensory Sunday Fun! 🎨

Squishy Rainbow Fun In A Bag!

By simple adding some paint to a zipper bag you can create a fun and mess free sensory activity. A wonderful idea for small children and children with high sensory needs filled with touch.

What you need:
- Multiple colours of non toxic paint
-Freezer zipper bags
- Little fingers ready to play

What to do:
Lay your bag flat on the table and carefully pour a bit of each colour of paint in a rainbow pattern inside bag.
Be sure to get as much air out of the bag as you close it.
Set bag in front of child and allow them to start exploring and squishing the paint in the bag.
TIP: Tape the edges of the bag down to the table to make it easier for little hands to just explore.

Use hand over hand and show your child how much fun moving the paint around inside the
bag. Allow your child to lead the way in creating.

When your child is done try carefully cutting open the edges of the bag and press it on paper or canvas to create a one of a kind work of art!

Remember to allow your child to explore at their own pace. Make memories and have fun!

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Photo credit Powerfulmothering.com

Sensory needs go hand in hand with autism for many. In our house soft blankets and seating options is a must! As well as many "chew" options to keep our little man happy.

What about your house? Anything on this list that your child needs to feel safe and comfortable?

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Seeker or Avoider?

Maybe a bit of both? Every child is different. Knowing their triggers can really help them in daily life. Anything we as caregivers can do and learn to give our babies the best chances at success!!

Share, learn and grow together ♥️

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Educational Thursday ✏️🏫

Learning happens everywhere. At home, at school, therapies and play groups. No matter how your child gets their education we at Madhatter Mama encourage learning at home. Teaching your child important skills will set them up for a happier more successful life.

Try this counting and colour matching show box idea. Great for younger children and can be customized for all ages.

What You Need:
-Empty box (shoe box works great for this)
-Marker to write numbers
-lids of all different sizes
-Paints/markers for lids

What To Do:
Use a craft knife to cut slots into the base of your box and make them to fit the size and width of each group of lids.
Use your paint to colour your lids and paint around the slots to match each group of lids. Write the corresponding number of lids next to each colour slot.
This example is a simple 1-5 for young kids or ones just starting out with counting and matching.
This could easily be extended to larger numbers and beyond (if you have enough lids!)

Remember everyone learns a little different. Take your time and enjoy this activity with your child. Use hand over hand and lots of positive encouragement.

Share, learn and grow together Madhatters!

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Photo credit THE IMAGINATION TREE

Looking at the world thru the eyes of our children can be difficult. Small glimpses like this are precious.

Craft Corner 🎨❄️

We picked an easy on to get back into our weekly craft corner. Inspired by the landscape here in Canada right now a wintery craft seemed fitting too!

Finger Painting A Winter Tree
This fun and easy craft is perfect for kids of all ages and adds some sensory fun into craft time. With just a few simple supplies you and your child can make a snow covered tree to hang up and enjoy through the winter months.

All you need is...
-construction paper
-black marker to make an outline of a tree
-white paint

Start by using a marker to draw an outline of a tree. Doesn't have to be fancy just need an outline.

Allow your child to use their fingers and hands to cover their tree in snow.

Try using other items to apply the paint if you wish.
Examples: cotton balls, string, paint brushes, sponges.

Allow to dry and then display and enjoy!!!

Remember to let your child be creative and make their tree extra special. Use hand over hand for children who need a little extra help creating.

Have fun and make memories!!

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Food & Autism sure is a delicate dance

New foods can be scary. Not knowing the textures to expect or the possibility of new flavors can be so overwhelming to a child. For a child who is autistic or has sensory processing issues it can cause crippling fear.

As parents and caregivers there are things we can do to try and help encourage our unique children to try new foods and over come these fears. Step by step, on their time with positive encouragement. Food chaining is a great way to help introduce new foods to a child as posted in the picture below.

Step by step go from eating potato chips to bananas with a simple food chain process. Try it out and see if this works for your family!

Remember what works for one child doesn't work for every child. Using this idea for food chaining will work for some. So take it slow and meet your child where they are. Try different things to help your child with food and never compare them to another.

Share, learn and grow together!
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Just a quick reminder 💕

What makes one happy?

Definitely subjective and unique like every human on earth is the things that make us happy. Whether it's a hobby, favorite food, music, movies or items we all have things that spark joy in our daily lives.

Tristan is no different. To some he may seem to be different. He may seem "behind" his peers. Interested in things that many may not understand. However if we take a moment to get to know him and kids like him we would see they too have things that spark joy for them.

Things the roll, open and close and spin is what makes our little man's heart happy.

Straws, ropes, chains and latches....

Spinning wheels and beads that move along a track....

Doors that open and close....

These are things that bring this little 5 year old happiness like many other children with sensory needs and autism. For some it may be different and that's ok too! It's not our place to tell another human what can bring joy into life. It's actually our job to listen more closely and understand our differences so we can make the world a better place for everyone!!

So find what makes you happy and help encourage the amazing children in your life to do the same! No matter what it is.

Enjoy the simple things in life.

Happy Monday Madhatters 🎩

Well the holidays are finally behind us, that doesn't mean the stress is. This time of year tends to bring added worry and anxiety to many of us parents and caregivers.

Cleaning up from Christmas, getting the kids back on a regular routine, returning to work and the stress of holiday bills coming in.

Taking time for ourselves takes the back burner far to often. Well new year means new beginnings!! Let's inculde ourselves this time so we can live longer, happier and healthier lives.

Self care doesn't have to be complacated or expensive. Here are 30 simple ideas you can start today!
Give them a try and see how much they can change the way you feel!!

Remember we are in this together Madhatters!
Share, Post and Tag others who need the push to take more time for self care!!!

😂 🤣 Change motherhood to parenthood and I think we could give this advice to any new parent. Anxiety for me. I had it before but being a mom added a whole new level 🥴😳

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🌹 Who can relate? 🥀

👀Powerful and Deep. It seems like almost every where we turn it’s another fight for accommodation and rights.

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How accurate is this? Which one do you relate to the most? Or is it missing from this list?