Can you feel it? The countdown is officially on! We are just a few short weeks away from Mother Hen’s Family Fun Day on July 18th at East Lake Park. If you’re like most of the parents we work with, your feelings about a big community event are probably a mix of "I can’t wait for the kids to have fun!" and "Oh boy, how am I going to get us all there without a meltdown?"
We get it. At Mother Hen (you might also know us as 2 Mother Hens), we specialize in supporting families through the beautiful, sometimes chaotic reality of raising children, especially those navigating neurodivergence, ADHD, or big life transitions. Big outings are exciting, but for many kids, the change in routine, the sensory input, and the social expectations can feel like a lot to handle.
The good news? A little bit of "pre-work" goes a long way in keeping the vibes high and the stress levels low. Here is our easy, 5-step guide to prepping for a big day out so that everyone, including you, can actually enjoy it.
1. Create a "Social Story" for the Day
One of the most effective social emotional learning activities for children is visualization. For a child, a big park event like our Family Fun Day is an unknown. When children don’t know what to expect, their brains often shift into "protection mode," which looks a lot like anxiety or resistance.
You can bridge this gap by creating a simple "social story." Talk through the day from start to finish. Use concrete details:
- "First, we’ll drive to East Lake Park."
- "Then, we’ll see the big Mother Hen banner."
- "There will be music and other kids playing."
- "If it gets too loud, we can go sit by the quiet trees for a snack."
If your family is currently navigating a transition, like a move or a change in family structure, using stories is even more vital. Resources like our book, Two Hugs and Two Kisses, are designed to help children process these "between" moments and find security in the love that stays constant, even when locations change.
2. Pack the "Ultimate Calm" Go-Bag
When providing neurodivergent parenting support, one of our top recommendations is the "Go-Bag." This isn't just about diapers and wipes; it’s about sensory regulation.
Think about the environment: East Lake Park will be sunny, filled with laughter, music, and perhaps some yummy food smells. For a child with ADHD or sensory processing needs, this can be a sensory "buffet" that leads to overwhelm.
What to put in your bag:
- Noise-cancelling headphones: Great for when the music or crowd noise gets a bit too "bright."
- Fidget tools: Keeping hands busy helps the brain stay focused and calm.
- Familiar snacks: Sometimes a familiar crunch is the quickest way to ground a child.
- The "Transition Object": A favorite small toy or a "worry stone" can provide a sense of home in a new place.
By having these tools ready, you aren't just reacting to a meltdown; you’re proactively offering parent coaching for ADHD strategies that empower your child to self-regulate before things escalate.
3. Master the Art of the Transition
Transitions are often where the wheels fall off. Moving from the car to the park, or from the bouncy house to the picnic table, can be a struggle. This is where family coaching for transitions becomes your secret weapon.
Instead of saying, "We’re leaving the playground now!" (which can feel like a sudden loss of fun), try using a visual schedule. Kids process visual information much faster than verbal instructions when they are excited.
Use "First/Then" language: "First, we put our shoes on, then we go get a popsicle." This gives the brain a clear path forward and reduces the "threat" of the change. At Mother Hen, we love seeing kids take charge of their own schedules, it builds confidence and emotional maturity!
4. Scout Your "Safe Zone" Early
When you first arrive at East Lake Park on July 18th, take five minutes to do a "perimeter check" with your kids. Find a "Safe Zone", a quiet bench, a specific tree, or even the back of the SUV.
Tell your children: "If you feel like your 'engine' is running too fast or you just need a break, this is our spot. We can come here anytime."
This is a core part of social emotional learning activities for children. It teaches them to listen to their bodies and know that it’s okay to step away. At Mother Hen, we believe in supporting the entire family unit. When a child knows they have a "retreat," they are actually more likely to engage longer and more successfully because they don't feel "trapped" in the stimulation.
5. The "Parental Pivot": Stay the Anchor
The most important piece of equipment for a successful Family Fun Day? You.
Children, especially those who are neurodivergent, co-regulate with their parents. If you are stressed, rushing, and worried about how they are "behaving" in front of others, they will pick up on that energy.
Our parental coaching focuses heavily on the "Parental Pivot." This means shifting your focus from "Is my child being 'good'?" to "Is my child feeling safe and supported?" When you stay calm, use a low voice, and keep your expectations realistic, you become the anchor in their storm.
Remember, the goal of July 18th isn't perfection, it’s connection. If you have to leave early, or if you spend half the time sitting under a tree reading a book together, that is still a "Family Fun Day" win!
Join Us at East Lake Park!
We are so excited to see your beautiful families on July 18th. This event is designed to be a space where every child is celebrated for who they are. We’ll have activities, community resources, and plenty of Mother Hen team members (look for the "We Assess. We Equip. We Advocate." shirts!) to say hello.
Whether you are looking for neurodivergent parenting support, help navigating your child's IEP, or just some fresh strategies for everyday transitions, we are here for you.
Don't forget to register! Knowing how many families are coming helps us make the event as sensory-friendly and organized as possible.
Event Details:
- What: Mother Hen Family Fun Day
- When: Saturday, July 18, 2026
- Where: East Lake Park
- RSVP: Click here to register on our website!
We can't wait to build memories with you. Until then, keep practicing those transitions, keep packing those go-bags, and remember: you’re doing a great job, Mama and Papa Hen!
