❤️ Big Feelings on Special Days: How to Support Emotional Regulation

Valentine’s Day might seem like a light-hearted holiday—crafts, cards, candy—but for many ADHD, autistic, and sensitive kids, special days can bring big feelings.

Excitement, anxiety, sensory overload, changes in routine — all of it can lead to emotional dysregulation.

But here's the good news:
With a little predictability, prep, and visual support, you can help your child feel calmer and more in control.

Why Valentine’s Day Can Be Tricky:

💌 Unexpected activities or classroom parties
🍭 Extra sugar (and extra stimulation)
💔 Social confusion around friendships or inclusion
⏰ Disrupted routines and transitions

All of this can lead to meltdowns, shutdowns, or explosive behavior—not because your child isn’t trying, but because their nervous system is overwhelmed.

What Helps Instead:

🧠 Prep in advance
Talk through what the day will look like. Use a First-Then board or visual schedule.

🎯 Use visual tools
Emotion cards, calm-down charts, and clear routine visuals can help kids name feelings and know what to expect.

🌿 Keep things predictable
Even small structure (like a visual "Valentine’s Day Plan") helps kids feel safe and regulated.

Try This Free Support

If you haven’t yet, grab our free First-Then Starter Kit to help your child navigate changes in routine—perfect for special days like Valentine’s!

👉 Download it here 

Or upgrade to the full First-Then Bundle with holiday-themed designs to support routines all season long.

You’re not alone

Holidays can be beautiful and hard.
When we offer structure and softness, kids feel more supported—and so do we.

With calm,
Betsy