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Dear Melissa,
My 4-year-old son has sensory processing disorder and is the type to be more sensitive than most kiddos. He seems to enjoy watching the Razorbacks with me on TV, and I really think it is time for our first father/son football game. Any tips on making this “Boys’ Day” a success?
Woooooo….Pig Sooie! Razorback football season is upon us! Here in Arkansas, it seems like going to your first Razorback football game is a rite of passage. And, if you believe the rumors that this season might be a little rough, this could be the perfect time to score some cheap tickets! Unfortunately, a college football game can be total sensory overload for anyone. The roar of the crowd, the booming loudspeakers, the rumbling vibration in the bleachers as the fans stomp their feet, fireworks at touchdowns (we hope!), the hot/cold weather, being shoulder to shoulder with strangers, new/unfamiliar clothing…the list goes on. It is enough to make even the most enthusiastic little fan want to run away!
I have helped coach many families through this Arkansan rite of passage and have taken my own little fans to cheer on the Hogs in person. While these ideas mainly apply to larger college games, they also apply to smaller arenas such as high school or even big brother’s little league games.
- Consider a practice run.You might want to try just going to a tailgate party rather than attend the game. Or you might want to take your youngster to a high school game in the area. These mini-experiences will help you determine if your little guy is ready for the real deal before you waste your money in order to create a total sensory shutdown.
- Study your own playbook.Know the rules/regulations for your venue — there is a link to the Arkansas Razorback Game Day rules below. Know where you will park and if you will walk or take the shuttle. (If you decide to walk, know that you will likely be carrying your little guy most of the way!) Know your child’s dietary needs…and if there are acceptable options available in the stadium. Know what you can/can’t bring. The website says that backpacks are not allowed except for childcare/medical reasons. When I have taken my preschooler to a game, I have never had a problem bringing a backpack that is filled with kids’ clothes, snacks, & juice boxes. They will just double-check it and put a tag on it. In addition, in researching this article, I noticed that the Razorback website offers locations in the stadium to obtain a child ID bracelet with your info on it. This is a particularly good idea if your youngster is the type to wander off.
- Prepare for the weather.Take layers AND sunblock! This is Arkansas! It can be 40 degrees in the morning when you arrive, and 80 degrees by halftime. Make sure to pack/wear several layers to help maintain a comfortable temperature. It is also a good idea to have your child practice wearing these layers so you will know ahead of time if the warmer layers are too scratchy and need to be traded out for a soft fleecy blanket. A word of caution: you might want to make sure that ALL of the layers are in your team color or a neutral black. You don’t want to make the mistake of having your son wear a Tennessee orange jacket over his Razorback red t-shirt, subjecting you and your child to frowning looks & negative comments!(No, I don’t know this one from personal experience. Nope. Not at all!)
- Teach the cheers/chants ahead of time.The game will be much more fun if these cheers are a predictable distraction rather than a novelty to be feared. YouTube and iTunes can help with this. Go ahead…teach the arm motions to all the songs as well! Just watch the band, and they will show you all you need to know. These rhythmical calisthenics can be quite calming!
- Prepare for sensory defensiveness.For auditory defensiveness, you can bring headphones, ear buds, earplugs, or have your little guy wear his hoodie over his ears. For tactile defensiveness, he can wrap up in the blanket like a burrito so that he doesn’t feel the other fans touching him – this will also provide calming deep pressure input. If your son will tolerate it, have him wear sunglasses to help block out the bright sun or the bright stadium lights. It is also a good idea to occasionally get up, walk around, and hang out in a quieter spot for a few minutes before returning to the game.
- Have a plan B.As with all things involving kiddos, ALWAYS have a plan B. Know which friends/relatives are also at the game that your son can go and “visit” when he needs a change of scenery for a moment. Bring along another adult who is not as invested in the game (often a wife or grandma) who would be willing to leave the game early with your youngster if the game gets to be too much. Finally, be prepared to have your own exit strategy if things get hairy. Again, consider things such as parking, walking, and traffic in your exit plan.
The StarCenter: Sensory Therapies and Research
The Out-of-sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder, by Carol Stock Kranowitz
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