It’s Wednesday, July 15, 2026. We are officially three days away from the Mother Hen Family Fun Day! On Saturday, July 18, East Lake Park will be filled with laughter, games, and community. But let’s be honest: for many parents, these final 72 hours can feel like a marathon.
Between the growing excitement of the kids, the logistical "to-do" lists, and the inevitable "Are we there yet?" energy, your patience might be wearing thin. If you are navigating this countdown with a child who has ADHD or sensory processing needs, that anticipation can sometimes manifest as extra restlessness, anxiety, or emotional outbursts.
At Mother Hen, we believe that the journey to the event is just as important as the event itself. Today, we’re focusing on how to stay calm and patient while equipping your children with the tools they need to handle the "Big Wait."
The "Patience Pivot": Filling Your Own Tank First
Before we dive into strategies for the kids, we have to talk about you. Parenting with patience isn't a personality trait; it’s a regulated nervous system. When we are stressed, our children: especially neurodivergent children: pick up on that energy.
If you find yourself snapping over a spilled juice box or feeling overwhelmed by the noise, take it as a signal. Your body is telling you that you’re reaching your limit.
The 3-Day Rule for Parents:
- Lower the Bar: Tonight, don't worry about a gourmet meal. Cereal for dinner is fine. Focus on connection over perfection.
- The 2-Minute Reset: If the house feels chaotic, step into another room (or even the bathroom!) for two minutes of deep, intentional breathing.
- Positive Self-Talk: Remind yourself, "Their brain is working hard to process this excitement, and I am the safe place for them to land."
Neurodivergent Parenting Support: Navigating the "Big Wait"
For children with ADHD or autism, a big upcoming event like Family Fun Day can feel like a sensory and emotional mountain. The lack of routine on a Saturday, combined with the anticipation, can lead to "emotional flooding."
Our neurodivergent parenting support focuses on proactive regulation. Instead of waiting for a meltdown to happen on Saturday morning, we can start "pre-loading" calmness today.
Understanding the ADHD Brain and Anticipation
Children with ADHD often struggle with "time blindness." Saturday feels both "forever away" and "happening right now." This can lead to hyper-fixation on the event, making it hard for them to focus on school or chores today and tomorrow.
Through our parent coaching for ADHD, we recommend "externalizing" the wait. Don't just tell them it's in three days: show them. Use a physical calendar or a paper chain where they can tear off a link each night. This makes the concept of time concrete and manageable.
3 SEL Activities to Do Tonight and Tomorrow Morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) isn't just for the classroom. It’s a set of tools that helps children understand their feelings and react to them in healthy ways. Here are three social emotional learning activities for children that you can implement right now to prepare for Saturday.
1. The "What to Expect" Storyboard
Anxiety often stems from the unknown. Tonight, sit down with your child and draw a simple storyboard of Saturday.
- Frame 1: We wake up and have a big breakfast.
- Frame 2: We pack our sunscreen and water bottles.
- Frame 3: We drive to East Lake Park.
- Frame 4: We see the Mother Hen tents and hear music.
- Frame 5: If it gets too loud, we go to our "Quiet Corner" (a designated spot you agree on).
2. The "Balloon Breath" (Morning Activity)
Tomorrow morning, before the day gets busy, practice the "Balloon Breath." Ask your child to imagine their belly is a big, colorful balloon. As they breathe in through their nose, the balloon gets bigger. As they breathe out through their mouth, the balloon slowly deflates.
Tip: Practice this when they are already calm, so they can access the skill when they are feeling "bouncy" or overstimulated later.
3. Emotion Check-in Jars
Use three clear jars or cups. Label them "Excited," "Nervous," and "A bit of both." Have your child drop a button, a bean, or a Lego brick into the jar that matches how they feel about Family Fun Day. This validates that it’s okay to feel nervous about a big crowd, even if you’re also excited about the games.
Preparing the Sensory Environment
If you have a child who is sensitive to noise or crowds, the 3-day lead-up is the perfect time to "check your gear."
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: Have your child wear them for a few minutes tomorrow while playing to make sure they feel comfortable.
- Favorite Fidgets: Let them pick out two small toys they want to keep in their pocket for "grounding" during the event.
- Clothing Check: Sensory issues can be heightened by heat and tags. Pick out their Saturday outfit tonight. Ensure it’s breathable, tagless, and "broken in."
At Mother Hen, we specialize in family coaching for transitions. Moving from the structured school week into a high-energy weekend event is a major transition. By planning the sensory details now, you reduce the "cognitive load" on your child when Saturday arrives.
The Power of Storytelling in SEL
One of the best ways to teach emotional regulation is through stories. Our founder, Natoya Cole Evans, authored "Two Hugs and Two Kisses" to help children navigate the complex emotions of family transitions. While the book focuses on life between two homes, its core message: that love and security remain constant even when things change: is universal.
Reading together before bed over the next few nights can be a powerful way to lower everyone's heart rate and foster a sense of security.
Why Coaching Makes a Difference
You don't have to navigate these challenges alone. Whether it’s preparing for a community event, managing an IEP meeting, or handling a divorce, the systems involved can be overwhelming.
Our family coaching for transitions provides you with a personalized roadmap. We don't just give advice; we advocate for your child's specific needs within the school system and help you build a home environment where every member of the family can thrive.
If you find that "big events" or daily routines consistently lead to high stress, it might be time to look into parent coaching for ADHD or our broader therapeutic services. We focus on the whole family unit, ensuring that parents feel as supported as their children.
See You on Saturday!
We are so excited to see your family at East Lake Park this Saturday, July 18. Remember: the goal isn't to have a "perfect" day without any meltdowns or stress. The goal is to show up, connect with your community, and use the tools we've practiced to navigate the day with grace and patience.
Event Details Recap:
- What: Mother Hen Family Fun Day
- When: Saturday, July 18, 2026
- Where: East Lake Park
- Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
If you haven't registered yet, there is still time! Join us for a day of inclusive fun, resources, and community support.
Register for Family Fun Day Here!
Stay patient, keep breathing, and we’ll see you in three days!
