The countdown is almost over! We are officially just two days away from Mother Hen’s Family Fun Day at East Lake Park. Whether you’ve been counting down since Day 1 or you’re just joining us now, the excitement is palpable. On July 18, 2026, we’ll come together for a day of community, laughter, and support.
But as any parent knows, especially those of us navigating the beautiful, complex world of neurodivergence, a "fun day" requires a little bit of "prep day" magic to make sure things run smoothly. When you have children with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing sensitivities, the prospect of a large community event can feel like a mix of excitement and "what-if" nerves.
At Mother Hen, our mission is to move from surviving to thriving. Today, we’re sharing our ultimate 48-hour guide to final preparations. These practical strategies are designed to help every family member feel calm, prepared, and ready to soak up every joyful moment.
1. Building Emotional Readiness with SEL Activities
Preparation isn’t just about packing bags; it’s about preparing hearts and minds. For many children, the "unknown" is the biggest source of anxiety. Using social emotional learning activities for children can bridge the gap between home and the park.
Preview the Day
Sit down with your child and talk about what to expect. You can use a "social story" approach:
- "First, we’ll drive to East Lake Park."
- "Then, we’ll see the Mother Hen banners and lots of other families."
- "There will be music, games, and snacks."
- "If it gets too loud, we have our quiet spot ready."
Use Creative Tools
If you have our Children's Feelings Journal, today is a great day to use it. Ask your child to draw what they think the park will look like or color in how they feel about the upcoming trip. Are they feeling "wiggly-excited" or "quiet-nervous"? Validating these feelings now prevents them from boiling over on Saturday.
If your family is navigating transitions like living in two homes, reading Two Hugs and Two Kisses can be a grounding activity. It reminds children that no matter where they are or how many people are around, the love and security of their family remains constant.
2. Master the Shift: Family Coaching for Transitions
Transitions are often the "sticky" points of a day out. Moving from the car to the park entrance, or from a fun game to lunch, can trigger meltdowns if not handled with care. As part of our family coaching for transitions, we recommend the "Before, During, and After" technique:
- Before (The Warning): Use a visual timer or a "5-minute warning" before moving to the next activity.
- During (The Anchor): Give your child a job. "Can you help me carry the water bottles to the picnic table?" Having a task provides focus and a sense of purpose during the shift.
- After (The Reward): Acknowledge the successful transition. "You did such a great job walking to the car with a calm body. I’m so proud of you!"
3. The "Sensory Survival Kit": Essential Neurodivergent Parenting Support
For our neurodivergent kiddos, the world can be loud, bright, and unpredictable. Providing neurodivergent parenting support means anticipating these sensory needs before they become overwhelming.
Today, take 20 minutes to pack your "Sensory Survival Kit." Having these items on hand can be the difference between heading home early and staying for the finale.
What’s in the Bag?
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: Perfect for when the music or crowd noise gets a bit too high.
- Fidget Tools: Small items like spinners, squishies, or pop-its to help regulate nervous energy.
- Sunglasses and Hats: East Lake Park is beautiful, but the summer sun can be a sensory trigger for light-sensitive children.
- Weight or Pressure: A small weighted lap pad or even a tight "bear hug" from a parent can provide grounding proprioceptive input.
- Preferred Snacks: While we will have food, having a familiar "safe snack" (something crunchy or chewy) can help regulate a child’s nervous system.
4. Structure vs. Flexibility: Parent Coaching for ADHD
If you’re a parent of a child with ADHD, you know that boredom is the enemy, but over-stimulation is the trap. Our parent coaching for ADHD focuses on finding the "sweet spot" between a rigid schedule and total chaos.
The "One Main Goal" Rule
Instead of trying to do everything at the Family Fun Day, pick one or two activities that are "must-dos" for your child. Maybe it’s the face painting or the specific game booth. Everything else is a bonus. This lowers the pressure on the child (and you!) to perform or keep up a frantic pace.
Movement Bursts
If you notice your child getting "the wiggles" or becoming hyper-focused and irritable, it’s time for a movement burst. Take a quick walk toward the lake or find an open patch of grass for a quick game of tag. Clearing that energy allows them to reset before re-joining the group.
5. Your 48-Hour Checklist
To keep your own stress levels low, follow this simple countdown:
Today (Thursday):
- Confirm your registration. (Haven't registered yet? Click here to join us!)
- Pack the Sensory Survival Kit.
- Do a "Feelings Check-in" using a journal or drawing activity.
Tomorrow (Friday):
- Lay out clothes (choose soft, familiar fabrics, no itchy tags for the big day!).
- Charge any devices or noise-canceling headphones.
- Review the "Secret Signal." Agree on a quiet word or hand gesture your child can use if they need an immediate break.
Saturday Morning:
- Eat a protein-rich breakfast to stabilize energy.
- Pack the cooler with extra water.
- Take a deep breath. You’ve got this!
We Can’t Wait to See You!
Family Fun Day is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the resilient, wonderful families we serve every day at Mother Hen. We know that outings can be daunting, but with a little preparation and a lot of grace, Saturday is going to be a day to remember.
Our team, including our expert parental coaches and advocates, will be on-site to say hello, answer questions, and celebrate with you. We’ll have copies of our latest resources, including Winston’s Bible Adventure Word Search, which is a fantastic "quiet time" activity to have in your bag for the car ride home!
Ready to join the fun?
There are still a few spots left! Secure your place at the park and let’s make some memories together.
REGISTER FOR FAMILY FUN DAY HERE
See you in two days!
Mother Hen (also operating as 2 Mother Hens) provides holistic support for families navigating neurodivergence, school advocacy, and mental health challenges. From parental coaching to specialized educational resources, we are here to help your family thrive.
