The wait is almost over! Tomorrow, July 18th, is the day we’ve all been circling on our calendars: Mother Hen’s Family Fun Day at East Lake Park.
Can you feel the excitement in the air? We certainly can! But we also know that for many of our families, especially those navigating neurodivergence, ADHD, or recent family transitions, a big event can bring up a mix of "Big Feelings." There is the joy of anticipation, but also the "what-ifs" about crowds, noise, and changes in routine.
At Mother Hen, our mission is to ensure every family feels equipped, assessed, and advocated for. Whether you are working with us for neurodivergent parenting support or you are just joining our community for the first time tomorrow, we want this day to be a win for you and your kids.
Here is your final, 24-hour "countdown guide" to ensure tomorrow is joyful, regulated, and, most importantly, fun!
1. The Power of the "Mental Rehearsal"
For children with ADHD or autism, transitions are often the hardest part of the day. Moving from the safety of home to a bustling park like East Lake can feel overwhelming without a roadmap.
Today’s Strategy: Use a visual schedule or a "social story."
Sit down with your child this afternoon and walk them through the day. You don't need a professional artist's skills, a simple drawing or a list of bullet points works wonders.
- "First, we wake up and have our favorite breakfast."
- "Then, we drive to East Lake Park (it’s a short drive!)."
- "When we arrive, we’ll see the Mother Hen table and say hi to Dr. Monique."
- "Then, it’s time for games, snacks, and playing with friends."
- "When the timer goes off, we head back home for a quiet movie."
Giving your child a sense of "what comes next" lowers anxiety and builds the confidence they need to handle the sensory input of a public park. This kind of family coaching for transitions is a cornerstone of how we help families thrive.
2. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Prep
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) isn’t just for the classroom; it’s a tool for real-life adventures. Today is the perfect time to practice "The Check-In."
Activity: The Body Scanner
Ask your child, "How does your body feel right now when you think about the park tomorrow?"
- Are their shoulders tight? (Maybe they're nervous.)
- Are they wiggly and jumping? (They’re excited!)
- Is their tummy "fluttery"?
By naming these feelings today, you’re giving them the vocabulary to use tomorrow. If they feel overwhelmed at the park, they can say, "My tummy feels fluttery again," and you’ll know it’s time for a quiet break.
If you have a copy of our workbook, Winston’s Words: Learning to Share My Feelings, today is a great day to do one of the word searches or emotion-matching activities. It centers the mind and reminds children that all feelings are welcome: even the "tricky-grumpy" ones.
3. Pack Your "Sensory Survival Kit"
Strategic packing is the secret weapon of parent coaching for ADHD. A public park is a sensory-rich environment: the sun is bright, the grass might be itchy, and the laughter of other children can get loud.
What to pack in your bag today:
- Noise-canceling headphones: Perfect for when the music or crowd volume peaks.
- Sunglasses and a hat: To manage visual overstimulation.
- Crunchy or chewy snacks: Sensory input through the jaw (like pretzels or apple slices) can be incredibly grounding for neurodivergent kids.
- A "Fidget" or comfort item: Something familiar to hold onto when things feel new.
- A Visual Timer: To help with "5 minutes left" warnings.
4. Managing the "Big Transitions" (The Drive and The Arrival)
The transition into the event is often where the most support is needed. When you pull into East Lake Park tomorrow, take a "Pause Moment" before unbuckling the seatbelts.
- The 3-Breath Rule: Before getting out of the car, do three deep "belly breaths" together.
- Set the Boundary: Remind them of the "Safety Spot." (e.g., "If you lose sight of me, go to the Mother Hen table under the green banner.")
- Identify the "Quiet Zone": When you arrive, the first thing we recommend is finding a "quiet tree" or a bench away from the main action. Tell your child, "If you need a break, this is our spot."
5. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection
As parents, we often feel the pressure for our children to "perform" or "behave" a certain way at community events. If your child has a meltdown, or if they need to sit out a game and just watch from the sidelines: that is okay.
At Mother Hen, we believe in neurodivergent parenting support that meets children exactly where they are. Our staff will be on-site tomorrow not just to lead games, but to be a resource for you. If you need a moment of mediation or a strategy for a tough transition, come find us. We are here to assess, equip, and advocate for you in real-time.
6. Resources for the Journey
Many of you are navigating complex family dynamics, like co-parenting after a divorce. Events like Family Fun Day can be bittersweet or stressful in these situations. If you are looking for ways to talk to your child about love across two homes, we highly recommend bringing a copy of Two Hugs and Two Kisses or Can I Love Mommy and Daddy at the Same Time? to read during a quiet moment at the park. These resources are designed to provide the same social emotional learning activities for children that we advocate for in our coaching sessions.
Final Checklist for Tomorrow:
- Water bottles (staying hydrated helps with regulation!)
- Sunscreen (avoiding the sensory "sting" of a sunburn later)
- Comfort items (blankets, stuffed animals, or fidgets)
- Charge your phone (to capture those joyful smiles!)
- An open heart (you've got this, Mama/Papa!)
We are so incredibly proud of this community. We see the hard work you put in every day: the advocacy, the coaching, the endless patience. Tomorrow is a day to celebrate that work and the beautiful children who make our lives so bright.
Haven't registered yet? There is still time!
Click here to register for Mother Hen's Family Fun Day!
See you tomorrow at East Lake Park!
Warmly,
The Mother Hen Team
