Baffling. Explosive. Irrational. Inconsistent.

Words often used by parents to describe their child’s sensory meltdowns.

Our kids sensory needs can leave us as parents feeling helpless. We want to understand and support our children, but without the tools, we’re usually left guessing as to how we can help our kids in their struggles. 

(If you’re wanting to be a confident sensory parent, check out the Sensory Parenting 101 course and start forming your family’s sensory game plan today.)

The good news is, there ARE reasons for your child’s behavior and with a few simple questions, you can start to discover the root cause of every seemingly strange struggle your child is dealing with.

Ready to be a sensory sleuth?

Here are the Three Questions to Ask of Every Sensory Behavior:

What Combination of Senses Might Be Involved?

There are typical six senses that can cause sensory issues. They’re not exactly the five you learned about in grade school.

• • Proprioception:
    

    Description: This sense tells the body where it is in space without the use of vision or touch. It provides body awareness. Input for this sense comes through the joints and the ligaments. 

    How to Get It: To get proprioceptive input, people need to do what is often referred to as “heavy work”. Jumping, pulling, pushing and more compacts the joints and ligaments, building up the desired sensations. 

    Significance: Proprioception is the KING of the senses because if someone is receiving adequate proprioceptive input throughout the day, they will be better able to handle all the other sensory struggles that come their way. It’s also one of the most straightforward senses. I have yet to see a case of someone being a proprioceptive avoider (barring some interaction with other sensory input they avoid like a tactile or vestibular influence. See below) .

    So, the more heavy work, the better. 

  • Vestibular: 
    

    Description: This sense is responsible for helping the body sense movement. It contributes to balance. Input for this sense comes from the inner ear. 

    How to Get It: To get vestibular input, people need to either move their head or be inverted (upside down). Keep in mind that there are multiple planes of movement, back and forth, side to side, up and down, spinning and inversion. 

    Significance: The vestibular system is the most finicky of the senses. The body can go from craving movement to despising it in the blink of an eye. Always be checking in with your child during vestibular input. When we use our sensory swing, I’m asking roughly every ten seconds how their feeling and if they want me to change the speed or direction. Often kids will prefer one plane of movement and hate another (ie, LOVE rocking back and forth, but despise spinning). Like I said, finicky!
    

  • Auditory

    Description: This sense is hearing. Input for this sense comes from the ear. 

    How to Get It: In general, auditory input is not a sensory need, though there are many sounds that can trigger avoidance.   

    Significance: While there typically aren’t auditory “seekers”, often times an auditory avoider will create noise to drown out other noises and maintain control of their environment

  • Oral

    Description: This sense is anything to do with the mouth, from taste to touch. Input for this sense mouth and jaw. 

    How to Get It: Eating and drinking obviously comes to mind, but don’t forget chewing, sucking and blowing non food items.  

    Significance: The mouth is a place where a lot of sensory factors interact. A texture issue may cause a food avoidance, while a desire for proprioceptive input (heavy work in the joints and ligaments) may be secured through engaging the jaw by chewing on a non food item.

  • Tactile

    Description: This sense is has to do with touch, including pressure, texture and temperature. Input for this sense comes from the skin. 

    How to Get It: Anything that comes in contact with the skin. The possibilities are endless. 

    Significance: A child is likely to have seeking AND avoiding tendencies based on the various tactile sensations. For example, they may crave strong touch, enjoy silky things, hate cold things, and struggle with constricting things. It’s rare to find someone that is a seeker in every tactile situation or an avoid of all tactile input. 

  • Interoception

    Description: This sense is has to do with internal sensation and awareness. Examples include awareness of hunger, thirst, sleep needs and toileting needs. 

    How to Get It: This sense is a bit different in the fact that mindfulness, curiosity and awareness are the best course of action to take if your child struggles in the interoception department.  

    Significance: Probably one of the most overlooked of the senses. But just consider your anxiety levels when you ignore your hunger needs or push off taking a bathroom break as a busy mom. 

Is Their Sensory “Bank” Depleted?

Children often respond to sensory issues differently on different days.

Socks might not be a problem on Tuesday, but come Thursday, they cause a full blown meltdown. 

Why do my child’s sensory needs change daily?

Think of your child’s sensory system as a bank.

Example:

Some days you’re making “deposits” that help your child respond well to sensory input. When you make a “withdrawal” (like having to put on those pesky socks) the body might not be thrilled, but it has enough “money” to spare. 

Other days, a child’s circumstances may be requiring numerous “withdrawals” that deplete the body of its ability to tolerate certain sensory input. When it comes time to put socks on, it triggers the fight or flight response from the sensory system because it’s become “bankrupt”.

Ask yourself:

• What sensory demands were made upon your child leading up to the meltdown or incident?
  Consider what “withdrawals” are being made and if you can prevent any of those. You might not be able to avoid socks in every circumstance, but you could turn off the TV that’s auditory drone is draining your child’s sensory reserves while you’re trying to get the socks on. 

• How much beneficial sensory input (like proprioception) have they been getting?
  If a child isn’t getting deposits into their bank, they’ll be perpetually running low. Or maybe they usually jump on the trampoline every day, but it’s been raining all week and haven’t been outside. This clues will help put the pieces together. 

What Non-Sensory Factors Are At Play? 

There are of course other non-sensory factors that can cause a sensory flare up.

1. Pay Attention to Your Child’s Sleep Patterns.

   Have you had a couple late nights in a row? Are they waking in the middle of the night?

   One good indicator that tiredness may be a factor is if the sensory behavior occurs around the same time everyday. I know I personally have the hardest time coping with auditory issues in the afternoon when I’m having an energy slump. 

   If you’re recognizing that sleep may be an issue, here’s a great article with advice on helping sensory kids get the rest they need!

2. Consider Their Nutritional Needs

   Food plays a huge role in how the body handles sensory information. When inflammation is rampant, or the body is overloaded with artificial substances, the nervous system can get all out of whack.

   When I find we are in a particular rough sensory season, I have to take a step back and evaluate our food intake. Often, I find I’ve got lacks in my standards and we’re paying for it.

   If you’re realizing that nutritional may be an issue, here’s a great article geared towards improving nutrition even when your child has sensory related picky eating. It explains the underlying issues, the best way to break out of the cycle, and even has supplement recommendations. 

3. Acknowledge Emotional Turmoil

   Sometimes the circumstances of life will bring sensory issues to a crisis point. Consider what has been going on in your child’s world that may be causing them distress or uncertainty.

   Kids with sensory processing disorder often feel like their world is out of control, so they grasp for anyway to control the situation around them. 

   Obviously events like moving, divorce, death, bullying and more can cause serious distress. But don’t forget that happy events can also send your child into a tailspin. The birth of a sibling, going on a trip, or a birthday party, can also spell a sensory disaster. 

Want to Become a Confident Sensory Parent?

Armed with these three questions, you will be able to start digging at the root of the sensory behavior you’re observing. Of course there is still more to learn that a simple blog post can’t hope to cover. 

If you’re wanting to grow in your confidence as a sensory parent, I highly recommend taking Sensory Parenting 101.

In a few short hours, you’ll be equipped to be an active advocate for your child and their sensory needs. 

Read what other parents have to say about how Sensory Parenting 101 has helped their families. 

The post How to Become a Sensory Sleuth (3 Questions to Ask About Any Sensory Behavior) appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

That’s what happens when your sensory kids try and get their needs met during a global pandemic. Tell me I’m not alone.

The Need

The COVID-19 disease has turned the world upside down. Sadly, it has presented sensory kids with some unique challenges to overcome as well. Occupational therapy is virtual, diagnoses are on hold, schedules are unpredictable, and getting out of the house is somewhere between dangerous and illegal depending on where you live. 

Kids with sensory needs are finding their normal avenues shut off to them, so we as parents need to get creative to meet those sensory needs while staying safe. 

Have a Routine

Many of us are schooling from home for the first time. Even homeschoolers like myself have lost out on co-ops, field trips and FRIENDS! All of us have had our plans changed. 

It’s important to try and craft a new normal during this time. As many of you know, kids with sensory needs often feel out of control during normal times, and struggle with transitions if they don’t know what to expect. Providing a visual schedule and a pattern to our days can go a LONG way in helping your child feel more comfortable during this crisis. 

When you are creating this routine, include regular short sensory breaks. Every hour would be amazing!

One way we keep things fresh with our sensory activities is using these sensory activity printable cards. You could give your child a couple options and let them pick one, or you could live on the wild side and play a go-fish sort of game where whatever someone grabs, they have to then do!

Click HERE to grab these printable cards for your kids!

Zero Equipment Ideas

Frequently, readers ask me what sensory activities they can do if they don’t have expensive sensory equipment. I’ll do you one better and share a couple ways your child can get sensory input with absolutely nothing but their own bodies! (Keep these ideas in mind too for things to do when you’re out and about on errands and such *post pandemic of course!*)

Yoga

Jumping (Jumping Jacks, Leap Frog, Hopscotch, Contest to see who can jump on one foot the longest, etc etc)

Pushing (A Wall, Their Own Hands Together *think like prayer pose*, Or try putting your hands flat again your child’s hands and with you both having outstretched arms, push against each other. It’s like a reversal of Tug-o-War.)

Human Wheelbarrows 

Running Upstairs

For more details, read this post on 8 Ways for Sensory Seekers to Get Their Energy Out

Common Household Materials

Before you spend a ton of money on sensory equipment, try looking around your own home through the eyes of sensory activities. 

Your couch can be a wiggly obstacle course, pillows can lead to a great pillow fight, blankets can become sleds on smooth floors, chairs often spin and rock for vestibular input, and the floor can become anything you want with a little painter’s tape.

There are a ton more ideas for turning furniture into sensory equipment HERE!

It might not be pinterest worthy, but it’ll get the job done!

Video Demonstrations of HUNDREDS of IDEAS!

Real life sensory activities is kinda my specialty! The Sensory Parenting Membership Community was created to support parents in practical ways. One of the biggest ways we do that is by having a searchable video library. You’ll be able to select what sensory need you want to work on, indicate what equipment if any you have, and then a big list of videos will show up. These videos feature me and my very real and sometimes difficult child doing sensory activities so that YOU can see not just WHAT they are, but HOW to think on your feet and respond to ever changing needs. 

During the Coronavirus crisis, membership is 60% off! And you get to lock into that rate permanently (and of course you can cancel at any time!)

Want to learn more???

Here’s all the details about the Sensory Parenting Membership Community that includes the searchable video library, parent training sessions, and a community question and answer forum!

The post Getting Sensory Needs Met While Sheltering in Place appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

When kids are having a meltdown, they need us to equip them with resources to help regain control. When you’re in the middle of a sensory meltdown, it can be very helpful to have calming sensory toys on hand.

I’ve broken these suggestions down into three categories.

1. The first are toys that are easy to keep with you in your purse for use out in public.
2. Next are the classic calm down bin suggestions, a little too much to always have with you when you’re out and about, but easy to bring to your child where ever they are in your home when they’re having a hard time sensory wise.
3. And lastly, there are some ideas on how to create a calming corner or area of your home for your child to retreat to when the sensory world is just too much!

Please remember, you don’t have to have EVERYTHING to be a significant help to your child. Try to have something that will help each of the senses. And most importantly, remember that proprioception is the key regulator to all the other senses, so the more proprioception they can get, the better!

What to Put In a Travel Calm Down Bin (ie your purse!)

Sensory Chew Necklace or a Chewie for short!

Perfect for oral AND proprioceptive sensory input! My boys love this style for the coolness factor, but there are TONS of options to choose from. And don’t forget to consider how chewy they are. Some kids prefer something with a lot of give while others want something super tough. Just because they don’t like one chewy doesn’t mean they won’t find a chewy they like.

Collapsible Kids Noise Blocking Ear Phones

These are great because they shrink to fit into most purses. Or if your child doesn’t mind ear plugs, that’s a super portable option!

Wilbarger Therapy Brush

If you haven’t heard of the Wilbarger Therapy technique, search for a video demonstrating it on YouTube. It’s a HIGHLY effective technique to help children with tactile defensiveness because it provides not just tactile sensory input, but proprioception! VERY CALMING!

Spider Web Aromatherapy Diffuser Necklace

Don’t forget about the sense of smell and the power it can have over a child. These diffuser necklaces are super cool and you can use whatever essential oils help your child regulate!

Stretchy String Fidget

These little stretchy strings can be pulled up to eight feet long! Great proprioception that doubles as a fidget!

Flippy Chain Fidget

This is a fun QUIET fidget that doesn’t draw attention to itself. It simply looks like a key chain, but it can flip and roll around in a child’s hand, giving them the movement they crave!

Sensory Squishies

These are so simple, but SO helpful that has the wiggles or is stressed out! These little guys feel like marshmallows and by squeezing them, kids get lots of calming proprioceptive input. 

Bubble Wrap Key Chain Fidget

I loved playing with bubble wrap as a kid. Ok I STILL do! But this “bubble wrap” can be popped over and over and fits on your key chain. Mind blown!

What to Include in a Calm Down Bin

ARK’s Textured Grabber XXT

Since these tools will be used at home, give them a chewy that isn’t as disguised. This chewy as many different textures to choose from. Plus, the long arm helps reach the back molars.

Variety Pack of Fidgets

We LOVE this variety pack of fidgets. I find that each kid gravitates to different things and having a couple options is a good idea. The blue ball with the water beads inside was MY personal favorite.

Writable Weighted Lap Pad

This weighted lap pad is great for getting proprioception. But sometimes it can be hard to get kids to hold still long enough to let the weight do its thing. That’s why Laki Kid made this weighted lap pad writable with a water pen that can be used over and over again!

Glitter Wands or DIY Calm Down Bottles

Help your child calm down and breathe by providing mezmorizing visual input via these glitter wands or make your own DIY calm down bottles.

Noise Cancelling Headphones w/Bluetooth

These headphones can really silence the world around you! I like that it has a blue tooth connection so you can play your child’s favorite calming song from a distance without having to deal with cords.

Glass Spray Bottle with Vetiver Essential Oil

I like to keep a spray bottle in our calm down bin so my boys can decide if they want to spray their favorite essential oils in the air, or not. Vetiver is a go to for us.

Wilbarger Therapy Brush

See above for information on why the wilbarger brush is a must have.

Discovery Putty

This putty is great for tactile seekers. It’s great for fidgeting hands. AND it’s great for proprioception as the fingers have to work hard to dig the little objects out.

What to Put In a Calm Down Room or Area

Indoor Pod Swing

With so many sensory tools out there, I think a pod swing should be a top priority. Swings provide LOTS of vestibular input, as well as proprioceptive. I like the pods because of the comfort of the enclosure. It also can swing in multiple planes. This is important since spinning is usually alerting, while front to back rocking is typically calming. (Follow your child’s lead as vestibular input can be very finicky!)

Weighted Blanket (HERE’s a COUPON!)

Weighted blankets almost seem to good to be true. Try one yourself and you’ll be a believer within seconds of their calming effect. I sleep with one every night!

Twinkle Lights

Lighting is a big deal. Fluorescent lights can be irritating to many folks while twinkle lights are full of warm (and a bit of magic). Set the tone of your calming corner with these lights.

String Lights Color Changing

Or try these incredible color changing lights! Kids with sensory needs often feel out of control, so letting them have control of the color of the whole calm down area could be HUGE!
Essential Oil Diffuser

An essential oil diffuser can help the whole sensory haven feel secure. Plus this one has a cool light feature if you want to kill two birds with one stone!

Mermaid Pillow

These pillows are captivating! Run your finger along it to fill the sequence and “draw” on the pillow while getting a delightful tactile experience. Also good for hugging/proprioception.

Ultra Soft Bean Bag Chair

Your child will need a comfortable place to sit, and this bean bag can double as a crash pad which is so so so good for proprioception. Plus, the way the chair hugs you is perfect for regulating after a sensory meltdown.

White Noise Machine

If ear plugs or head phones aren’t being used, this white noise machine can drown out the other annoying auditory input from the rest of the house. Multiple sound options to again give your child control over their environment.

The post How to Stock a Calm Down Bin: Sensory Calming Toys appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

Chewing your fingernails. Chomping on your lips. Compulsive biting.

A lot of sensory kids use their mouths to get sensory input. The mouth is a treasure trove of sensory receptors. Sensory input is a real need, not an annoying habit.

But the chewing, chomping and biting can be alarming and harmful to them and others.

There are ways to meet those needs that don’t have negative side effects.

First, lets look at WHY kids use their mouths for sensory input.

Thank you Everyday Educate for sponsoring this post and offering my readers an exclusive 15% discount on their chewable jewelry with the code JULIE15 

Why Does My Child Chew on Things?

Oral Sensations

When we talk about the oral sensory system, we’re talking about everything related to the mouth, including the lips, jaw, tongue and teeth. It’s a powerful and sensitive area of the body. If you’ve every gotten a small cut or bump inside your mouth, you know how huge it can feel and how consuming the sensation!

The oral sense can be either seeking or avoiding. Seekers tend to be the chewers and biters. The avoiders often struggle with food and teeth brushing. But don’t be shocked if your child shows seeker AND avoider tendencies. My son loved to chew on things, but considered toothbrushes a torture device.

In grade school, most of us are only taught about how our mouths sense taste, but there are SO many other senses involved!

Tactile Considerations

The mouth is an area with a heightened sensitivity to touch. Most of us know what it’s like to dislike certain textures of foods. While the taste may be acceptable, if the texture triggers an involuntary fight or flight reaction, gagging is likely!

Don’t be incredulous if your child loves apple sauce yet hates apple slices. Don’t be surprised if they can tell the difference between name brand and knockoff chicken nuggets while blindfolded!

Treat these needs as legitimate NEEDS! Don’t get into a battle of the wills over food if your child has a sensory issue. It’s a myth that sensory kids will eat anything if they’re hungry enough. Get your occupational therapist involved, because if you’re not working on expanding their variety of food, it will naturally go the opposite way and their health will suffer.

Proprioception Synthesis

The mouth is also a place of powerful muscles and movement. The jaw can deliver massive proprioceptive input that can effect the whole body in a positive way. Proprioceptive input is heavy work through joints and ligaments that helps the brain regulate all the other sensory input coming its way!

But if your child’s chewing and biting is hurting themselves and others, it time to find constructive ways to get that proprioceptive input while keeping everyone safe.

One way is to do proprioceptive activities with the rest of the body. It seems strange, but jumping on a trampoline or sitting with a weighted blanket can actually slow a child’s need to chew.

Secondly, get oral sensory input! There are tons of chewable jewelry options out there to fit your child’s individual needs. Some kids like tough material, others prefer fabric. Some love texture while others prefer smooth.

These chewable necklaces and bracelets by Everyday Educate are a great mix of smooth surface + dynamic surface. They come in a pack of eight necklaces and eight bracelets, which is genius because I have spent too much of my life looking for my boys chewies!

(Don’t forget you can get 15% off this massive pack of chewable jewelry. This link will automatically apply the discount to your cart!)

They also double as a great fidget for tactile seekers, even if they don’t go in the mouth.

As you can tell, my son adores these! He couldn’t bare the idea of only using one for the photo shoot! Ha ha!

I also love that there’s a discreet bracelet option so that boys don’t get quite so many questions from others. 

So remember, when your child is struggling with oral sensory needs, there is usually a couple extra senses at play, like tactile and proprioception. Don’t despair, and use the mouth as an opportunity for healthy sensory input!

The post The Sensory Needs Behind Chewing appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

Snow… Sunshine…  Sweaters.

These and so many other things can keep sensory kids from wanting to go outside.

But the great outdoors is a treasure trove of beneficial sensory input that will actually help kids overcome their sensory aversions.

How can you help a kid with SPD enjoy the outdoors, for their own good?

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Please see my full disclosure policy HERE. 

General Reasons Sensory Kids Stay Inside

Lack of Control

Kids with sensory issues already live in a world that can feel like it’s against them. Touch, smell, sound, movement and more can be perceived by their brain as a threat. Their body may feel like it’s always on alert, ready to fight or flee.

It’s natural for kids to cling to control when everything else seems so threatening. Not surprisingly, the outdoors are not easily controlled. The weather changes, plants grow, insects and animals meander, and people go about their business, unaware how they may be affecting your sensory kid.

(Dear neighbor, could you please stop revving your motorcycle’s engine??? Thanks!)

Anxiety

When children have a negative sensory experience, they often associate their surroundings with that awful feeling. A bee sting at a playground may cause a child to swear off parks entirely. The downtown fireworks display from the past summer may cause your child to get sweaty palms every time they see the skyline.

My boys have made a lot of progress with their sensory related anxiety once I took Natasha Daniels course on Crushing Anxiety. It’s meant to equip parents of anxious kids, with the tools they need to teach their kids how to fight those scary thoughts. I learned SO much and came away with a plan on how to come alongside my boys in this anxiety battle. Check out the details on the Anxiety Ecourse HERE.

Specific Reasons Sensory Kids Avoid the Outdoors

Tactile Issues

Nature is full of billions of sensations to delight, or upset, our tactile system. Wet or itchy grass can be a serious nuisance. Many sensory kids are super sensitive to the temperature, needing, like the baby bear in Goldilocks, for everything to be “just right”. Even if the temperature feels acceptable to you, remember that their body may be perceiving it differently. Give them grace in that. Even the glorious feeling of warm sun on the skin can feel too intense and even painful to some kids with sensory processing disorder.

Fear of Noise

Auditory avoiders are always on the edge of their seats, fearful of the next sound that will jar them from their sense of calm. As a parent, it can be very frustrating to take an auditory avoider outside because even the adult can’t shield them from all the noises coming their way.

Vehicles honking, buzzing insects, barking dogs and more can cause a meltdown. And don’t forget how wind can howl in the ears and cause a child to be disoriented.

Fear of Pain/ Wildlife Injuries

Nature is wild and free. And while that’s definitely one of the draws, it also means there is some risk involved. Kids with vestibular (movement) or proprioceptive (body awareness) issues maybe more prone to falls as they navigate uneven surfaces and heights. Bees, snakes, spiders and other animals can inflict pain and injury. And even the mere thought of that can produce anxiety in a child with SPD.

Like the Crush Anxiety course recommends, give your kids knowledge and options.

When my boys aren’t wanting to go on nature hikes because of poisonous snakes, we familiarize ourselves with the types of snakes in our area, so we know which ones are dangerous, and which ones aren’t. We also stomp as we walk so we don’t surprise any snakes. (Plus stomping is a great proprioceptive sensory activity!) While bees are still a big fear for my boys, they feel empowered knowing what scents and colors bees avoid. (Vanilla deters bees AND doesn’t bother my boys sensitive noses! Win-win!)

Hate the Appropriate Clothing 

When the weather calls for certain clothing, kids with SPD or tactile aversions can recoil at the thought of a sweater, or detest the feel of swimwear. Navigating clothing issues with sensory processing disorder is tough! Be as flexible as you can, picking your battles and remembering that what feels comfortable to them might look silly to the outside world and that’s ok! And ask questions in our sensory parents Facebook group (we’ve got some VERY creative problem solvers in there!)

How to Encourage Kids to Play Outside

Alright, so our sensory kids have a lot going against them when it comes to playing outside. But the benefits of playing outside are way too good for us to just give up and stay inside. Here are some ideas to help get kids outside.

Provide the Gear

Many of a child’s sensory issues can be alleviated by using some equipment. For an auditory avoider, try noise canceling headphones. Sunglasses and hats are a must for kids that can’t stand the sun in their eyes. Be patient as you trying different types of clothing to help your kids feel comfortable.

Go WITH Them

While parents of young kids are obviously right there with their kids when they’re outside, moms of older kids might be tempted to just tell their kids to play outside, without going with them. If your child is struggling with sensory issues, being asked to go outside while their parents are inside (legitimately trying to make dinner or write a blog post…) can feel unfair. Bolster their courage and help them see how very fun the outdoors can be!

DON’T Go All In

If your child is resisting the outdoors, I don’t recommend going cold turkey by going on a wilderness camping weekend. Instead, take small steps! First, show them they can do outdoor things without necessarily coming face to face with their fear.

If you go all in, your family pictures may look like ours! Bahaha!!

If a child hates the grass, get them back outside by playing with chalk on the sidewalk. If your kid fears insects, set your tent up in the backyard so they have a barrier between them and the bugs, while still being able to watch the clouds floating by. If the sun feels intense, see if swimming makes things more enjoyable.

The point is, just because one thing makes the outdoors unpleasant, doesn’t mean you have to completely give up on outdoor activities while they work through the fear.

Another great strategy is do give them something to DO outside that is so fun, they’re able to overcome their trepidation for a time. This is the basic science behind a lot of sensory activities: overcome the fear with fun! Try a new Nerf gun, or set up the sprinkler. (This is a MEGA list of sensory toys for kids to give you some ideas!)

Don’t give up sweet mama! There have been seasons in my life where I just wanted to throw in the towel and let my kids live in front of the TV. But with consistent work, your kids will find themselves more and more comfortable in nature. There’s rarely an overnight fix for these things. Take baby steps and just keep working in the right direction. Your kids will thank you for it!

Have more questions??? Check out this wildly popular series of Sensory FAQs and become a more confident sensory parent today!

The post When Sensory Kids HATE the Outdoors appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

Sometimes you see it coming from a mile away. Other times it comes out of nowhere and knocks you off your feet.

Regardless of how it comes, when your child has a sensory meltdown, it’s a force to be reckoned with.

Though everything may seem to be out of control, there are things you can do to assist your child in regulating their system.

What NOT to do During a Sensory Meltdown

First off, don’t lose your calm.

I know it’s obvious, but I also know it’s hard. Dang hard!

Two things to keep in mind.

1.  It won’t last forever.
   There will be a calm after this storm. In the middle of these thing, it’s easy to lose perspective.
2. Emotionally distance yourself.
   Now I don’t mean, become a robot or don’t offer sympathy and love. But we as parents do have a tendency to see a current behavior and quickly envision a catastrophic future for our child.
   Instead, when you’re really in the heat of the moment, try and think of your child as someone else’s kid. You still care, you’re still invested in helping them, but you won’t be as tempted to rage or despair.

Secondly, don’t try and address behavior issues DURING a sensory meltdown.

When they are in a meltdown, your child is in a full blown fight or flight mentality. Reasoning with them is pointless.

Help your child regain control of their system and action, then discuss any behavior issues that happened before or during the meltdown.

What TO do During a Sensory Meltdown

Model Breathing

One of the most effective strategies for calming a child who is having a sensory meltdown is to try calming breathing techniques. But often times in the middle of sensory overload, a child will refuse to attempt to slow their breath, or may just insist that they can’t.

That’s the time to start the exercises yourself. It’s amazing how your loud but controlled and calm breathing can have an effect on a volatile situation. Give it a try!

Calm Down Bin

Offer a treasure trove of calming tools for your child. ( Here’s what we stock in our sensory calm down bin. ) Look for things that will help them get proprioceptive input, or relief from sensory input they want to avoid (noise canceling headphones are a must!).

Distraction

While not a guarantee, distracting your child can sometimes help them snap out of their spiral and regain control.

Now, you don’t want to give them something that they’re throwing a fit about (and if they’re crying just to get something they want, you’re probably looking at a behavior issue.) But you can offer them something totally unrelated. A cool bird outside, a funny clip on your phone, or even ask them to hold an ice cube!

Sneaky Proprioception

Proprioceptive input is the king of the senses because of it’s immense ability to calm and help regulate the entire body. This sense gets input through the joints and ligaments and provides body awareness.

While you might not be able to convince your child to do heavy work like jumping on a trampoline in the middle of a meltdown (though you can certain suggest it!), there are ways to sneak some proprioceptive input into a tense situation.

Be thinking of ways to add weight or pressure to your child’s body. Something as simple as a hug, or inviting them to “push a wall over” can defuse the situation.

Hang In There

This tips can help your child regain calm during a sensory meltdown, but they aren’t going to work every time. Just because they don’t work once, doesn’t mean they won’t work on another occasion.

Be understanding and sympathetic to your child while still maintaining authority and safety. Give everyone, including yourself, heaps of grace.

Navigate the crisis then move on with more resolve to get the sensory input your child needs throughout the day!

Have more questions??? Check out this wildly popular series of Sensory FAQs and become a more confident sensory parent today!

The post What to do DURING a Sensory Meltdown appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

Don’t you hate it when you know what your child needs, what’s good for them, but they dig in their heels and refuse?

It can be so disheartening to see a child, who desperately needs sensory input, resist all your attempts to do sensory activities.

Why don’t they do sensory activities when they’re seekers and should be craving it? And how on earth do you get an avoider to do sensory activities???

Scroll to the bottom for a VIDEO I recorded about this topic!

Why Kids Resist Sensory Activities

Kids who struggle with over responsiveness to sensory input are called avoiders. The stimulus is overwhelming to their brain so they try and avoid it. It’s pretty obvious why avoiders dislike certain sensory activities.

But what about seekers? If they crave input, why do they refuse? Often times, it’s a control issue. Their world feels so out of control, that they grasp at any chance to how power over what happens to them.

Remember, kids can be be avoiders AND seekers!

This is the biggest mistake I see sensory parents make and one of the reasons sensory behavior baffles most folks. Read this article to clear up the confusion!

Fun

Sensory activities must first and foremost be FUN! The goal is to make the activity irresistible, especially for avoiders. Sensory bins are so inviting and can help a child forget their fears for a moment and realize that those textures aren’t so bad after all.

Sensory activities should never be forced. Ever. Enjoyment of them is a key factor in their effectiveness.

Sneaky

While you should never force a child to do a sensory activity they hate, you can be sneaky about it. Your child doesn’t need to know that the pillow fight you initiated is really your way of getting some extra proprioceptive input in for the day! (Check out these ideas for turning your furniture into sensory toys and equipment!)

Control

Kids who are struggling with your for control need choices. Give your child some options when it comes to sensory play! Our favorite way of doing this is using these sensory activity printable cards.

Just put them on a key ring and let them pick a favorite, or turn it into a card game where each card they pick is a new sensory activity for them to perform.

Modeling

Kids don’t want to feel like a project. And older kids are quick to pick up on hypocrisy.

That’s why it’s so important to be willing to participate in sensory activities WITH your kids!

Demonstrate the sensory activity for your child. Or turn it into a competition between the two of you (race, time it, see who can do the most repetitions, etc.)

Nervous about doing sensory yoga or bouncing on an exercise ball? Kids usually like seeing their parents make fools of themselves, ups the fun factor again! LOL

Modeling is critical when a child is in the middle of a meltdown.

They’ll be resisting you out of a fight or flight response, but you can start modeling calming breathes or rocking in a chair. You need to lead them way during these intense times.

Variety

This can be a struggle for all of us. When we get in a rut, doing the same activities over and over, a lot of the fun factor is lost.

So if something that used to work isn’t any longer, it’s time to get some fresh ideas!

Have more questions??? Check out this wildly popular series of Sensory FAQs and become a more confident sensory parent today!

Don’t miss my Facebook Chat with other sensory parents about Kids Refusing to do Sensory Activities! Play the video below!

The post When Children Refuse to Do Sensory Activities appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

Ah winter… Tis the season for getting sick.

Your kids finally start to share… GERMS!

Plans are canceled.

Tears abound.

Sleep ceases.

It’s rough!

Before having kids, I was quite naive about how incredibly exhausting and heartbreaking it can be to have sick kids.

And if your child has sensory issues on top of it, things can be extra tricky!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE. 

Sickness and Your Sensory Kid

If you’ve suspected your child’s sensory issues are especially heightened when they’re under the weather, you’re not crazy!

Most common illnesses (cold’s, flu, allergies etc.) increase the child’s overall inflammation. This inflammation can hamper the nerves from doing their job of relaying sensory information to the brain.

You can learn more about the connection between inflammation and sensory issues HERE.

An overly sensitive child (an avoider) might be especially upset by certain input. A child that is under receptive to certain sensory input (a seeker) may be craving sensory input even more than usual.

Remember most kids aren’t just one or the other but a combination of avoiders and seekers. Read more about the most common confusion I see among sensory parents. 

Schedules and Rhythms for Sensory Issues

Most kids with sensory issues struggle with changes to their schedules. Because their sensory world feels out of control, they like to know what to expect and have a say in it.

When your child is feeling sick, try and keep things calm, comfortable, and familiar. Depending on how well they can function, try and follow your usual basic rhythm.

It may help to make a “Sick Day Schedule” that you can hang up somewhere for your child to see and interact with. You can include pictures or icons too if you find them to be helpful. There will definitely be some things that are non-negotiable on your schedule, but if you can let your kiddo pick some special things to do that they can look forward too, that can make all the difference.

Low Key Sensory Play

If at all possible, you want to continue to help your child get good sensory input, even on the sick days. There are ways to do that without being wild and crazy.

Calm sensory play ideas include sensory bins, play dough (there’s quite a bit of proprioceptive input in this activitiy), yoga, wilbarger brushing protocol, rocking chairs and swings, and animal breathing.

Try and avoid extra screen time as that’s usually a downward spiral. My oldest likes to listen to an audio book while being wrapped up in a weighted blanket.  (We LOVE Audible! Try it for FREE today and Get 2 Free Audiobooks)

Of course, be patient! When your kids are sick, you’ve just gotta do what you have to to survive. Do what you can to help your kids get better, and you can always make up for lost time!

Have more questions??? Check out this wildly popular series of Sensory FAQs and become a more confident sensory parent today!

The post Sensory Issues FAQs: Sick Kids appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

Kids love to make liars out of their parents.

Just when you think you have them figured out, they’ll do the total opposite.

This is especially true for kids with big sensory needs.

You’ll see a pattern of behavior that will have you convinced they’re an avoider, then BAM!, they do something that is clearly a seeker tendency.

Reactions to sensory input can change from season to season, or even from one day to another.

It can be so baffling when your kid goes from hating anything sticky on Tuesday, to playing in a mud puddle on Wednesday.

What gives?

Scroll to the bottom for a VIDEO I recorded about this topic!

Sensory Seeker and Avoider Labels are Too Simplistic

The primary reason parents are confused by sensory behavior stems from a misunderstanding about avoiders and seekers.

Avoiders and seekers are NOT the two different types of sensory kids.

There are actually a large assortment of combinations, because kids can be seekers or avoiders in EACH of the different senses.

Your child might be a tactile avoider, an oral sensory seeker, a vestibular avoider and a proprioceptive seeker or any other combination!

See how complicated it can get?

And remember, sensory input rarely comes in only one isolated form.

Example: Swings are a great activity to help proprioceptive seekers, but it also is coupled with tons of vestibular input, so that might be met with resistance from vestibular avoiders that still crave proprioception.

Because of the complicated nature of sensory needs, it’s so important to have an occupational therapist involved. They are the ones that will help you sort through all the labels. If they oversimplify things, ask for further clarification so you aren’t in the dark about your child’s specific needs.

P.S. If you’re wondering what is THE most effective sensory activity to prevent meltdowns with your unique child, take this quick, free, informative quiz. I created it to help you get started in the right direction!

The Sensory Bank

Another reason sensory behavior can be unpredictable, rests in the fact that sensory input is not an isolated event.

All day every day, your child is receiving sensory input; some of it calming, some of it very upsetting to their bodies.

So one morning your child may tolerate putting on their jeans, and the very next day be repulsed by the same pants.

It’s the same sensory input, but the hours before may have been drastically different.

Think of your child’s body as a sensory “bank”.

Some days your child gets lots of beneficial sensory input from playing outside or doing specific sensory activities.

Their brain is getting what it needs and can regulate fairly well when an uncomfortable sensory situation comes up. Their bank is quite full, so a small withdrawal won’t be the end of the world.

Another day is full of disturbing and annoying sensory input: an itchy tag, a nauseating car ride, too much noise, etc.

Your child is doing their best to keep their composure and continue to function in the world around them. But their sensory “bank” keeps having “money” taken out and eventually, goes bankrupt. That’s when we see the meltdown.

So sometimes it might seem like a straw broke the camel’s back, but don’t forget to look at the whole picture of the day, and even the week!

Sensory input is always adding up, or taking away from the sensory “bank”.

Too Many Variables

If you lived in a sterile controlled lab, you MIGHT be able to predict your child’s sensory behavior, but this is the real world.

There is literally sensory input coming at your child from all sides!

Let’s say your 5 year old is having a meltdown every time they are in the car. It could be visual (sun in the eyes), tactile (the seat belt is bothersome), auditory (the high pitched sound of the tires), or vestibular (inner ear issues that cause disorientation) or who knows what else.

You have to become a bit of a sensory detective, guessing what “small” sensory factor might be contributing to their discomfort.

Remember to ask good questions of your child. They may respond with big emotions (“I just hate the car! I’m scared, mad, bored etc.”) , but help them pinpoint what their body is feeling. (“What does your skin feel when you’re in your seat? How do your ears feel? etc”)

Don’t give up. While sensory needs are seemingly unpredictable, you can get clarity and gain confidence!

See the other resources we’ve created for you below.

Have more questions??? Check out this wildly popular series of Sensory FAQs and become a more confident sensory parent today!

Sensory Parenting 101 will give you the most in depth understanding of all things sensory. You’ll be equipped like never before!

Don’t miss my Facebook Chat with other sensory parents about how SPD keeps us on our toes! Play the video below!

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