How do I handle community events like Eid gatherings? 

Parenting Perspective 

Plan Ahead to Reduce Overwhelm 

Community events like Eid gatherings can feel joyful but also overwhelming for children with special educational needs (SEN), sensory sensitivities, or social anxiety. The noise, crowds, strong smells, and unfamiliar faces can all become too much, leading to meltdowns or withdrawal. Planning ahead can help your child feel safer and more included. 

Prepare Your Child for What to Expect 

Start by preparing your child for what to expect. Use simple words: ‘We will visit family. There will be food, noise, and people hugging. If it feels too much, you can tell me.’ If your child uses visuals well, show them pictures of who will be there or what they might do. 

Bring Comforts and Find a Quiet Space 

Bring comfort items, such as a favourite toy, headphones, or snacks you know they like. If they struggle with loud gatherings, find a quiet corner in advance where they can take a break if needed. Let your child know they are allowed to step away, as this gives them a sense of control. 

Keep Expectations Realistic 

Keep your own expectations realistic. Your child may not greet everyone or join in every activity. Celebrate what they manage to do, rather than focusing on what did not happen: ‘You played with your cousin for ten minutes, that was so brave.’ 

Handle Unkind Comments with Grace 

If family members make unkind comments or judge your child’s needs, have a gentle but firm response ready: ‘She needs a bit more space, thank you for understanding.’ After the event, reassure your child that they did their best. Talk about what went well and what could be easier next time. 

Spiritual Insight 

Eid is meant to be a time of joy and unity, not stress and shame. Allah Almighty reminds us in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 286: 

‘Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear…‘

This Ayah reminds you to honour your child’s limits and your own; you are not failing when you adjust for their needs. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ always showed compassion to those who needed extra care. He ﷺ never forced people to do more than they could handle. It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1828, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

Allah is not kind to him who is not kind to people.

This Hadith Shareef is a reminder that kindness must shape how we gather as a community. 

Make a small Dua before the gathering: ‘O Allah Almighty, make this day easy and joyful for my child.’ Teach your child that Eid is about gratitude, connection, and mercy, not perfection. Let them see that they are valued exactly as they are, and that family joy can be shaped to fit their needs too. 

With gentle planning, honest conversations, and trust in Allah Almighty’s mercy, you can help your child feel that community events like Eid are moments of blessing, not moments of fear.