Prepare for July 4 Trauma

The booming and snapping of fireworks may be thrilling to some kids, but if your child has sensory integration problems, the loud noises could be more terrifying and thrilling. A picnic table loaded with home-cooked goodies may not be such a treat for a child with food allergies. Family get-togethers can be less than fun if your relatives are less than supportive of your child and your parenting. And all that makes the 4th of July a prime time for blow-ups of the behavioral variety as well as the pyrotechnic. Prepare for problems, be sensitive with scheduling, and declare your independence from stressful events if at all possible.

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