4 Simple Tips to survive the arcade as a mum with sensory issues.

As some of you may have seen River turned 3 last weekend, and her neurotypical/naive dad decided it would be great fun for us to visit the arcade...on a very rainy Saturday...during school holidays. Arcade visits can be great fun for children, but they can also present unique challenges for mothers who experience sensory overload. So how do we let our neurotypical children enjoy the arcade while managing sensory overload for ourselves, creating an enjoyable experience for the whole family?

1. Preparation and Planning: As with so many things, forward planning can help alleviate stress associated with visiting arcades. Pick a time that is likely to be less busy; NOT a rainy Saturday during the summer. Some arcades may even offer a "quiet hour", so it's worth doing your research before you visit.

2. Sensory Management Techniques:
Wearing noise-cancelling headphones such as Loops can help reduce auditory stimuli and provide a quieter environment. 
Sunglasses or hats can help reduce the intensity of bright lights, which are often present in arcades. This can help alleviate visual sensory overload and make the environment more manageable. Just make sure your glasses aren't too dark as you may not be able to see well enough to avoid trampling small children...yours or other people's. 

3. Sensory Breaks: Plan regular breaks during the visit to provide an opportunity to step away from the overwhelming environment. Utilise quiet areas or find a nearby outdoor space to relax and recharge. Maybe find a near by cafe for a drink or enjoy an ice cream by the beach before going back in.

4. Self-Care Practices: Practice mindfulness and deep breathing techniques to manage stress and anxiety during the arcade visit. Simple breathing exercises can help regulate emotions and promote a calmer state of mind.

Set some time aside after the trip to regulate yourself. An important part of this is making sure your partner (if relevant) understands the support that you require in this situation. For me personally, I like to lay on the floor for a while in silence, have a swing on my garden seat with nobody else around, or take a bath with a good book. All I need from my partner is the time by myself to do this without feeling guilty, but your needs may be different.

These are just a few ideas that might help you hold it together long enough for your child to have a wonderful trip to the arcade that you can all look back on with fond family memories. Let me know if you have anything you'd like to add!