Nail Trimming For Children With Sensory Challenges & Tips To Support Parents
For as long as I can remember, trimming Leo and Lorenzo’s nails was a struggle. The sensory overload they experienced was painful to watch and I felt defeated. Nail trimming can be challenging for many children, not just those with autism or sensory sensitivities.
Nail trimming is an important part of personal hygiene and I wanted to find a way to make it as painless (and quick!) as possible. A few years ago, I tried something new and it seemed to help! I started reciting “This Little Piggy” as I trimmed the boys’ nails and it seemed to distract them enough to allow me to get the job done quickly. Since they recognized the rhyme, it helped keep them calm and they were able to see a beginning and an end to the nail clipping. Alternatively, you can countdown from 10 to 1 - This works especially well for Lorenzo who loves numbers.
Lorenzo (left) and Leo (right) in their high chairs that accommodate up to 250lbs.
I also realized that if I kept the boys in their high chairs, I could complete the task even more efficiently, without them squirming.
Last year, I decided to invest in high chairs that would grow with them (up to 250lbs!) - Mostly for selfish reasons since I am always concerned with maintaining a tidy home. Some people may disagree with this recommendation, but it works for us (so far!) and they don’t seem to mind sitting in them for meals and other activities as they’re quite comfortable.
As the boys got older, I started implementing a visual timer to help with time management tasks around the house and daily routines, but also to help them cope with tasks they didn’t enjoy. I realized that knowing when something was going to end helped them persevere and this strategy has been very successful!
Our visual timer that helps with various daily tasks - Dressing, toothbrushing, clean-up, etc…
Since nail trimming is a weekly task, I try to stick to a routine so that there are no surprises. They know, Monday mornings after breakfast they will have their nails trimmed and this has helped set expectations. We’re also having more conversations about personal hygiene and I’m taking the time to explain “why” we do certain things.
Most importantly, I always praise the boys for sitting through challenging tasks like nail trimming by saying things like, “You did so well!”, “See, I knew you could do it!”, “I’m so proud of you!”, “I know that wasn’t easy for you!”.
Hope these recommendations help!
I frequently share updates on my Instagram page @natalieabkariancimini and you’re welcome to send me a DM if you have any specific questions.
Lots of love,
Natalie Abkarian Cimini
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: For Little Monkeys Charity is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com or Amazon.ca. None of the links are sponsored and the recommendations are 100% based on my own opinion/experience.
Lorenzo (left) and Leo (right) in their high chairs that accommodate up to 250lbs.
