Every kid is different, and every few minutes is different. Give some of these ideas a try! You might be surprised what your child is drawn to. And don’t forget, while some of the suggestions might seem like they’d wind your kids up, it may be just what your child needs to be ABLE to sit still and control their big emotions.
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No Equipment
Be upside down (This does the trick for my 3 year old 80% of the time)
Bear Hugs
Get outside!
Look UP!
Sing
Animal breaths (Anything to help them slow down and concentrate on their breath. These yoga cards
Stretch
Make silly faces
Any kind of heavy work (proprioception)
Phrases that help calm a child
Common Household Items
Get wrapped up tight
Read a favorite story
Puzzles
Swinging or rocking
Hold an ice cube (I know an OT that swears by this!)
Stuffed animal, especially a weighted one
Color and other art
Blow bubbles
Dim lights
Calming music
Special Equipment
Noise cancelling headphones
Calming smells (we love this blend
Crash Pad
Fidget toys
Squeezey balls
Mermaid fabric (SO cool!)
Some of the very best toys out there for sensory anxiety
Calm Down Bottles
Glow in the dark calm down bottle
Tips on making your own calm down bottles
Yoga
DVD of yoga for kids with special needs
Calm Down Kits
Calm down bins for OLDER kids (with printable)
Calm down kit for fidgety kids
Calming, Alerting or Organizing list of activities