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.

Personal update: My son is now so comfortable and competent with his swimming skills that you swam in the ocean at night with manta rays. Never would have dreamed it possible in a million years!

As a lifeguard in high school, I literally taught hundreds of kids to swim.

The tough cases were always given to me. 

I didn’t meet my match until I tried to teach a child who shared my DNA.

My son and his sensory issues seemed to be the one kid who I would fail to teach to swim.

While it did take longer than I ever could have imagined, we are finally at the point where I can declare, “The boy can swim!“

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

Since his sensory issues showed up strong in our learning to swim journey, I wanted to share with you some of what I’ve discovered. I hope you find it helpful!

Sensory Factors that Affect Learning to Swim

Swimming is an essential life skill that demands a lot of the different sensory systems.

There are of course tactile issues, from the suit, to the water temperature, to the chlorine drying out the skin.

There are auditory issues, like the disorienting echos of an indoor pool or the pain of getting water in the ears.

While the pressure of the water on the body does provide some extra proprioceptive input, it can also be very alarming to kids that have poor body awareness.

When you consider that foreign floating feeling also messes with the vestibular system (the inner ear that signals to the body that you’re moving or up high) then it’s easy to understand why kids with sensory issues find swimming to be terrifying.

So here’s some of the things you can do about it!

The Right Location

Temperature

Think through the temperature of the water and air and try to help your child be comfortable. Obviously not everything can be controlled, but if they’re freezing, you’re not likely to have a very compliant child! Trying going indoors, or even work on getting the face underwater in the warm bathtub. Perhaps a wet suit is an option.

Echo

This was a big deal to my son. Because most of his lessons were at indoor pools, the echos caused him to miss most of the instructions from his teachers. The sweet kiddo did so much better when it was just him, outdoors with no other kids around making distracting noises. 

Sun in Eyes

When outdoors and working on back strokes and floats, try and position yourself so that you cast a shadow over your child’s face. Sun glaring in your eyes is no fun for anyone!

Crowd

Try and practice swimming when there are less people around. This will help the noise factor, but also help kids not be as self conscious. My son was older when he learned to swim and was very aware that his fears were only felt by him and little kids. Support their need for privacy as they work through their challenges.

Another reason to avoid crowded pools…less chances of an accidental splash to the face!

Teacher

Find the right teacher. As much as it hurt my homeschooler pride to admit, I was not the best teacher for my son. This was the major turning point for us. 

I had tried hiring teachers at a number of different professional “swim schools” and they all failed because of what I’ll cover in the next paragraph. 

What finally clicked was when I ask one of my dearest friends to teach my kids. We had actually been lifeguards together way back when, so I knew I could trust her methods and my boys knew they could trust her. We also were able to swim nearly every day for two weeks, instead of one lesson a week. I think that was a big factor as well!

The One Thing You MUST Have

While I already alluded to it, the one thing you MUST have to teach a sensory kid to swim is… their trust.

So many of the teachers we had hired used the “trick ’em” method to various degrees. From tossing them in where they couldn’t touch, to dunking their heads to splashing them in the face, they basically were lazy and forced the issue on my son, further causing him to retreat in understandable fear. 

If you’re a long time reader of this blog, you probably know that one of the big reasons sensory kids have behavior issues is because they lack a sense of control due to their sensory needs.

Swimming is already a very frightening prospect for them. If you couple that with an untrustworthy adult who is supposed to protect them, good golly, you’ll only make things so much worse!

Instead, communicate what you’re doing or expecting. Make your “asks” small. Realize it’s going to take 300 million baby steps. Focus more on building trust than building skills. Things will actually go faster once you accept that.

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 Right Gear

Swimsuits that aren’t a Tactile Problem

If your child struggles with tactile aversion to clothing, they’re probably going to have similar issues with swimsuits. You’ll have to get creative and think outside the swimsuit box. Often times kids will enjoy rashguard type compression clothes. Consider cutting out the mesh lining of boys trunks as long as the legs are long enough for modesty. 

Techniques for Getting the Face Wet

(If your child struggles to do things on their front because they don’t like to put their face in the water, don’t neglect practicing strokes on their back!)

Chin, Bubbles etc

Like any child getting comfortable with the water, encourage kids to try blowing bubbles. If they’re not ready for that, play a game of “Simon Says” and have fun putting different body parts like ears, cheeks and forehead in the water. 

Goggles

While a lot of people think it’s a bad idea to let a kid become dependent on goggles, I knew that without them, my son wouldn’t ever go near the water. Eliminate one of their major fears, and deal with weaning them from it once they’re strong swimmers. 

Snorkel 

Even with goggles, my son didn’t want to put his face in. It wasn’t until we used the face mask for a snorkel, that covers the nose, that he finally had the courage to put his full face in. Use the snorkel tube as well if you’re child is really needing extra incentive to look underwater. 

Diving Sticks

The thing that convinced my son to fully commit to putting his head underwater was some good old-fashion fun and competition (with a hint of trickery.) I invited my boys to play a game of retrieving diving sticks. I started by throwing them in a location where he could reach the bottom for the pool with his hand while still keeping his head above water. I slowly threw it deeper and deeper until eventually he voluntarily submerged his head so that his younger brother wouldn’t win the game!

Techniques for Getting the Head Back

(If your child doesn’t float well on their back or resists leaning their head back because it bothers their ears or stability, consider working on front strokes more. Most kids have a strong preference and it might surprise you.)

Practice in the Tub

If your child struggles to lean their head back to get their hair washed (you better check out this post about helping a sensory kid with bath time struggles) you can bet the pool will be no different. Yet sometimes the tub is less intimidating than the pool because it’s private, familiar, and the water level can be so low that the child can rest their head on the bottom long before their ears even go underwater. Seriously, just have a inch or two of water in the tub and let your kiddo practice leaning their head back until it touches. It will greatly increase the confidence of a child with gravitational insecurity. 

Practice in a Zero Depth Pool

Same idea here, but it moves the locations a bit closer to where you eventually want to be. Have your child place their legs in the deeper end, while their head is in the shallowest part of the “beach”. 

Techniques for Learning Strokes

Like I already said, many kids with sensory issues have poor body awareness. Often times, they can’t copy what you demonstrate. Kids with poor proprioception often need to see their body positions and movements or they don’t realize what exactly their limbs are doing! Ever asked your child to do the front crawl and they windmill their arms in the wrong direction yet seem clueless as to why they don’t go anywhere? Yeah.

Start with Strokes that are “Symmetrical” 

Thankfully, there are strokes that don’t ask the right and the left side of the body to do opposite things. While the butterfly is pretty hard for everyone, consider teaching a modified breaststroke (use a flutter kick) for a face down stroke. And for a back facing stroke, we’ve had great success with the elementary backstroke. We eventually want them to be strong backstrokers and front strokers so they have a powerful stroke if they were ever having trouble in the ocean or something, but for now, I just want them to be able to stay afloat and get to where they want to go.

Assist Muscle Memory

Since kids struggle with bilateral coordination, help their body to do the strokes. I have to physically remove my kids from the pool and move their arms for them and do it over and over, hoping to create some pathways in the brain of what those movements feel like. It takes time, but be patient. Remember, this is really tough for them.

So those are my tips I’ve gleaned the hard way after spending 7 years trying to teach my son to swim. We’ve still got a ways to go before I’m comfortable with his skills, but we’ve come SO very far and I’m ridiculously proud of him!

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

Let me know in the comments what swimming struggles you’ve had in your family and if you have any pointers for me!

The post Teaching a Sensory Kid How to Swim appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

19th century English educator Charlotte Mason had a wise motto: “Never be within doors when you rightly can be without.”

The benefits of outdoor play are numerous and well researched. The calming effect of nature is undeniable. Studies have consistently shown the benefits to stress levels, heart rates, mood and hormones!

While homeschoolers and kids in general will benefit from more time outdoors, for kids with sensory issues, it’s essential!

The opportunities for tactile, proprioceptive and vestibular input are multiplied in the great outdoors.

While there are plenty of ways to get sensory input for free, you can turn your backyard into a sensory haven with a couple of these outdoor sensory toys.

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!

Outdoor Sensory Toys:

𝕋rampoline

If you ask the parent of a seeker, “What’s your child’s favorite sensory equipment?” nine times out of ten they’ll respond, “The trampoline!”. There’s a reason the trampoline is popular. While it’s ridiculously fun to bounce around like you’re walking on the moon, the sensory input kids get while jumping in astounding! Think about all the proprioceptive input they get in their joints as they press deep into the trampoline. Then their vestibular system gets a thrill as they shoot into the air (and maybe do a flip or two). Most parents find that a trampoline is an essential sensory tool. 

Giant Platform Saucer Tree Swing 

These things are amazing! Swings can be calming or stimulating and there are so many sensory swing options out there for every need.   This one is cool because multiple people can fit on it (holds up to 700 lbs) and kids can sit up, lie down, lie prone on their belly and more! It’s a sensory therapy dream!

Saucer Swing with Stand

Don’t have a big tree in your back yard? No problem, there are free standing stands that you can attach swings to! Who knew!

Geometric Dome Climber

This simple toy gets a TON of use in our backyard. Climbing is a wonderful way to get proprioceptive input to the joints. As kids hang upside down or reach new heights, they’ll also be engaging their vestibular system. My boys often turn this into a fort and it gets used daily.

Had to include this photo when my middle son was so much littler! Oh my heart!

Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course

Not sure what your kids will like? This variety set has so many options. Lots of ways to challenge their balance, swing, climb and hang. Who knows? You could be raising the next ninja warrior!

Cargo Net Feel like a pirate or a lost boy while climbing these! Fun to hang all over the place. These really help improve core strength as well, which has all sorts of sensory benefits. 

Rock Climbing Holds I love how versitle these climbing holds can be. Use them indoors or out. Screw them onto trees, fences or structures you create (check out pinterest for ideas). Get creative and create your own climbing wall or cave! 

Step-a-Logs

Live in the city and don’t have logs to balance on? These create really fun ways to challenge kids balance while they pretend they’re traversing lava or walking the plank. 

Regardless of whether you can create a sensory wonderland with all the latest equipment, or simply have some grass and a tree, encourage your kids to get outside, and you will all reap the sensory benefits. 

The post Outdoor Sensory Toys to Make Your Yard Double as Occupational Therapy appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

There have been seasons in my son’s life when sensory meltdowns happen more frequently, and we naturally tend towards unhealthy habits because of the turmoil of sensory processing disorder.

Unfortunately, these habits add to worse sensory processing and more meltdowns!

It’s a negative cycle, but it can be broken!

3 Ways to Turn Things Around for Your Sensory Kid

Rhythm

When our family seems to be in an extra rough period, our schedule is usually out of whack, or I’ve been extra lax with our routine.

As you probably know, kids thrive when they know what to expect. Kids with sensory needs especially struggle feeling that the world is out of control, so structuring the day can help immensely.

But if you’re a spontaneous, “Type B” gal like me, a strict schedule can make you bristle. Instead of planning out every minute of your day, work instead towards having a rhythm.

Have an order to your day, a predictable pattern. No need to be a slave to the clock. And remember, every day doesn’t have to be the same either. A weekly rhythm is far more reasonable and realistic for us spur of the moment folks.

Remember to display and talk about this rhythm with your child OFTEN! Even pre-readers can use these FREE printable schedule cards and give their input on how your order your free time!

Get Outside

Have you noticed an uptick in sensory issues during different times of the year? Often times this is due to lack of time outside.

The outdoors is a treasure trove of sensory input opportunities. Tactile input and glorious smells surround us, as well as all the chances to give the body proprioceptive and vestibular input via gross motor activity.

But even beyond the sensory input, the calming effect of nature is undeniable. Studies have consistently shown the benefits to stress levels, heart rates, mood and hormones!

So make it a goal to get outside every day, even if it’s just a five minute walk or sitting in the driveway looking at the clouds!

Do a Sensory Activity

While I know my child needs to get regular sensory input geared towards his particular needs, I often forget to make it a priority during the hecticness of life.

Want to be more consistent with sensory activities?

1. Know how to turn everyday life activities into sensory activities.
2. Have a massive arsenal of sensory activities in your head so you can keep things, fresh, fun, and uncomplicated.

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 post Dramatically Improve Sensory Issues with These 3 Changes appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

“It means my mom teaches me at home.” I’d respond, waiting for the predictable follow up question.

“So do you get to wear your pajamas all day long???”

Homeschooling was literally unheard by most of my peers back in the nineties.

Who woulda thunk that 2020 would usher in a time of state mandated “school at home” and so many parents would be, for the first time, seriously considering homeschooling.

So if you’re re-evaluating the educational options for your kiddos this year, you’re not alone!

Maybe you’ve never thought about how your child’s sensory needs would affect the homeschooling process.

You guys, I’ve got some GOOD NEWS for you…

Homeschooling is a WONDERFUL way to help your sensory child thrive!

Here are just a few ways that homeschooling can be a serious advantage to your sensory child.

Different Grade Levels for Different Subjects

If your child struggles in a certain area, there’s no massive pressure to make sure he keeps up with his peers in that area. My son has dyslexia on top of sensory issues, so reading has been VERY hard for him. Instead of burdening him with an intense need to always be at grade level reading skills each and every year, I can slow down, go at his pace, and still have a chance that while he may be late to the game, he’ll still love reading for pleasure.

And the opposite is true as well, if your child has a large aptitude for a particular subject, there’s no need to restrain them so that they’re still learning with a class of peers. I never would have thought my boys would take to Shakespeare or enjoy the read alouds and board games that are meant for middle schoolers, but they eat it up!

I want to also add that, not having grade levels is a self-esteem protection. While my son is well aware that he struggles with reading (since his younger brother reads at an insanely above grade level pace), we have tried to make it clear that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Struggles are a part of life that build their character and we value THAT far more than grades.

Sensory Friendly Schedules

One of the best things about homeschooling is how you get to create a schedule that works for your family. For us, that means we prioritize movement and play. Sensory kids NEED lots of sensory input throughout the day and it’s tough to get that while sitting at a desk (though more on that in the next section).

When I plan out our day, I’m always thinking about what will help facilitate my kids being outside the most. For us, that means we switch up our entire school year and school day so that we are off in the winter when the weather is nice, and while we school in the summer, we take the cooler mornings off, and hunker down in the AC in the afternoon.

While our Charlotte Mason way of homeschooling encourages very short lessons to help keep kids attention and encourage focus, we still incorporate “brain breaks” throughout the school hours so they get their sensory needs met.

In between subjects, turn on a song and dance. Before math, swing for three minutes. When frustration is setting in, do jumping jacks or try and push over a wall.

Whatever it is, remember, homeschooling gives you the freedom to respect the body brain connection and meet those needs!

Movement WHILE Learning

Now just because your child will need to spend time learning, doesn’t mean the sensory input has to halt. There are literally millions of ways to get sensory input WHILE learning and there are tons of ideas on my site as well as around the web.

Just because it’s impractical for an entire classroom to recite their spelling words on the swings, doesn’t mean you as a homeschooler can’t do just that! We’ll memorize poems while climbing trees. We’ll spell while hopping from letter to letter. We’ll write math equations in shaving cream. I’ll read history while they dig in the garden. I’ll make sure science experiments involve movement.

And even when a child has to be seated, there are still plenty of options to get sensory input. Consider incorporating active seating in your home through wiggle seats and other options.

Pick the Curriculum that Works for Your Kid

Home schools are completely customizable. You don’t have to get a boxed curriculum or try and learn from the one option picked out by the state. Instead, mix and match. Learn from other sensory and special needs homeschoolers in facebook groups what has worked for them and why.

Consider what philosophy of education will best meet your children’s needs. It’s no secret I love the tenants of Charlotte Mason as well as much of classical education. The short lessons, variety, immersion with nature and all the reading aloud fit our family really really well. I also found courage to go a non-traditional route because Charlotte Mason insists that we honor children as born persons, not things we need to fit into a mold.

If you’re looking for some of our favorite sensory curriculum, check out the math program that FINALLY clicked for my boys and is designed for tactical needs and struggling learners.  I also suggest an Orton Gillingham homeschool curriculum when it comes to reading for a child who is struggling in that area. I’ve seen it work wonders.

Even if my son didn’t have special needs, I had a million reasons I wanted to homeschool him. Special sensory needs are just another reason we have found homeschooling to be the perfect fit for our family.

The post Advantages of Homeschooling Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

The large expanse was full of all sorts of multicolored equipment from floor to ceiling. Not only were my kids eager to play while getting their sensory needs met, I wanted to join in too (that’s how crazy inviting and fun the place was!)

But after a minute or two, my adult sensibilities kicked in and I realized that while this place was impressive, the cost associated with the sensory equipment must be too!

I began to keep a close eye on what equipment my kids LOVED, what equipment was used for LOTS of different activities, and what would give me the most bang for my buck.

Now that we’ve been at this sensory parenting thing for 7 years and I’ve heard from literally thousands of other sensory parents about what works best for their kiddos, I am really excited to share with you what sensory toys are worth saving up for and WHY!

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

Sensory Toys that EVERY Home Should Have

1. Trampolines

[Main Use: Regulation Through Proprioception. Secondary Use: Vestibular Input.]

When I asked my private Facebook group of sensory parents “What is the one sensory toy your kids couldn’t live without?” Trampolines were the overwhelming majority. And there’s a scientific reason for that. Trampolines meet two very central sensory needs AT THE SAME TIME!

Jumping on a trampoline provides vestibular input via the inner ear. Seekers in this area crave heights and movement and trampolines are ideal ways to get it! (Even if your child is a vestibular avoider like my son is, consider getting an indoor trampoline with a bar for stabilization. That might be enough to help them grow in confidence. This Indoor Trampoline can be folded up!?! And comes with a removable bar, AND can be turned into a bar pit! Say what?)

The main reason trampolines are a must have in every sensory home is because of the outrageous amount of proprioceptive input they provide. Proprioceptive input is received by the joints and the ligaments of the body and establishes body awareness. It is the key to regulation and when a child is getting enough proprioceptive input, they usually can handle all the other sensory input far better!

Obviously, jumping on a stretchy surface provides plenty of proprioceptive input! Looking for a Large Outdoor Trampoline? Check this one out!

2. Swing

[Main Use: Vestibular Input. Secondary Use: Calming Through Proprioception.]

Another multitasking heavy hitter is the swing! Now there’s a million different types of swings that have different advantages. But they all provide lots of vestibular input through height and movement changes. Many sensory kids could contentedly swing for hours!

It might surprise you, but swings also give some proprioceptive input as well. Without boring you with a physics lesson, whenever a child comes to the top of the arch and changes directions, there’s a pull on their body to continue in the direction they were going already. This “pull” provides all over proprioception that can be extremely calming.

Related: Which Sensory Swing is Best for Your Child

Swings are the go-to essential for calming down in our house. We use a stretchy fabric swing to cocoon our kids and gently rock them back and forth while they recover from a sensory meltdown. It has never failed to work. Never.

Checkout a ton of sensory swing reviews and options by clicking here. You’ll learn which ones work best for each scenario.

3. Wiggle Seat

[Main Use: Helping Wiggly Kids Sit Still. Secondary Use: Vestibular Input.]

These Seemingly Simple Little Disks are awesome in their versatility and affordability! Typically, they are used to assist kids in getting sensory input, while still staying seated. Great for homework time or dinner time, kids can get their wiggles out, while actually being able to focus on the task at hand BETTER!

But wiggle seats are also durable enough to be stood on. So there are hundreds of ways to use them to challenge the vestibular system and engage the brain in tons of beneficial ways! Here are just a few ways we’ve used these wiggle seats. 

4. Weighted Blanket

[Main Use: Calming Proprioception. Secondary Use: Better Sleep.]

Chances are good that you’ve heard about Weighted Blankets are the way they can help with anxiety and insomnia. But maybe you didn’t know that the reason they work is because they provide calming proprioceptive input to the body. While some proprioceptive sensory input takes a lot of energy (like the trampoline) weighted items are ideal for comforting and preparing a body to rest.

We love our weighted blankets around here, myself included! When kids get better sleep, they have less sensory issues, so this is a really good upward spiral to get on! I go into a lot more detail about the benefits of weighted blankets HERE. 

5. Fidget

[Main Use: Better Focus. Secondary Use: Proprioceptive Input.]

There are thousands of varieties of Fidget Toys. But each one basically gives the hands something to do so that the mind can focus on the work it needs to do. While it may seem counter intuitive, fidgets PREVENT kids from getting distracted. If a child has the need to move, the brain will be preoccupied with meeting that need, INSTEAD of listening and staying on task. But give those fingers something to do, and BAM the brain can pay MUCH better attention.

I recently started a sensory needs “program” at our church and have been loaning out fidgets and other sensory toys to aid kids during the service. I can’t tell you how many parents have told me after the service that they ended up using the fidgets themselves and we able to stay engaged during the sermon remarkably better than without the fidgets!

6. Chewy

[Main Use: Oral Sensory Input. Secondary Use: Proprioceptive Input.]

If your child likes to put things in their mouths (well past the baby stage), then it is usually a sensory need the are trying to meet. The mouth is a highly sensitive area of the body where a lot of intense sensations are produced. There are bunches of objects specifically made for helping kids get oral sensory input and they’re generally called “Chewies“. Think of them as fidgets for the mouth.

But a lot of parents make the mistake of thinking that these tools only solve one problem (helping curb the appetite to chew on inappropriate items like clothing or fingernails). The reality is that chewies are fantastic ways of getting the ever prized proprioceptive into as well! How? The jaw is a powerful joint, and the chomping provides great calming and regulating sensations so that the brain is more prepared to organize and respond appropriately to other sensory input.

7. Ear Phones

[Main Use: Prevent Sensory Meltdowns. Secondary Use: Prevent Sensory Meltdowns in Mom.]

All the other sensory toys and equipment listed in this article help a child get the sensory input they need. This last one, helps keep out sensory input that is bothersome and can trigger meltdowns in kids with auditory avoiding needs.

Noise Reduction Ear Phones are a staple in our home. When my son was younger, I always had a pair in my purse (see what sensory toys I still keep with me when we leave the house) Now we have two pair in a central place in our house for anyone to grab when they notice themselves feeling overwhelmed by the noise or frequency of sound. Why two pair? Well, because I’ve started wearing them during the time of day I’m most likely to loose my temper (making dinner!). Surprisingly, when I put them on, I can still hear my kids and converse with them. Yet something about the jarring pitch of dogs barking, cabinets slamming and LEGO crashing is lessened and I find myself far more calm and able to be an adult! Total game changer for our family!

Want MORE sensory tools and content?

• Outdoor Sensory Toys to Make Your Yard a Sensory Heaven
• Sensory Tools to Reduce Anxiety
• The Ultimate List of Sensory Toys for Every Need
• How to Stock a “Calm Down” Bin
• The Pros and Cons of an Official SPD Diagnosis

(Trying to save money?

Needing to buy time before you can afford some of this equipment?

Check out this post about how you can turn normal household furniture into a sensory oasis!)

The post 7 Effective and Versatile Sensory Toys Every Single Home Should Have 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.

Maybe you’re parent #1: Your child is battling anxiety and it’s taking over their life. Maybe you’re just starting to hear about weighted blankets and other sensory tools that can help lessen anxiety.

Or maybe you’re parent #2: Your child has lots of sensory issues like fear of loud noises or aversions to clothing and food textures. This has led to considerably anxiety.

I’m not sure which parental boat you’re in, but in reality, you’re in the same boat! Anxiety is derailing life and sensory input can help your child regulate!

When your child starts showing sensory overload symptoms, try these sensory toys for anxiety!

What is the Connection between Anxiety and Sensory Issues?

When your child has sensory overload anxiety, they are vulnerable. If you’re always wanting to avoid certain sensory input, it makes sense that worry and anxiety will often quickly follow. For a sensory overload example, if your child is an auditory avoider, they may always be on the verge of a meltdown, fearing when the next sudden sound is going to interrupt their brain and body.

Now if your child doesn’t primarily struggle with sensory issues, they can still benefit from regulating sensory input, especially proprioceptive input!

This sense is responsible for body awareness and plays a crucial role in the brain’s ability to organize and handle all other sensory input appropriately.

In fact, when the body is getting proprioceptive input, it helps the nervous system switch from the sympathetic nervous system or “alert” system, to the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS for short). Kids with anxiety are often on high alert for significantly long periods of time.

But when a child gets proprioceptive input and triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, endorphins are released, breathing and heart rate slow, and the body releases tension.

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

What are the Best Sensory Toys for Anxiety by Sense:

Proprioceptive Sensory Toys

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!

Pea POD Canoe

These inflatable canoes are an ideal spot to relax while getting extremely helpful full body proprioceptive input! Help the active wigglers to hold still too!

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!

Warmies® Lavender Scented Plush Sloth

These weighted and WARM stuffed animals are SO comforting! They come in all sorts of varieties and can be heated repeatedly in the microwave. I want one!
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. It gives kids something to focus on instead of their fears.

Auditory Sensory Tools

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!

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.

White Noise Machine

If you’re looking for a more house wide option, this white noise machine can drown out the other upsetting auditory input from a child’s  surroundings. Multiple sound options to again give your child control over their environment, which is very empowering for kids who feel the world is out of control.

Visual Sensory Toys

Twinkle Lights

Lighting affects mood. Fluorescent lights can be unsettling to many folks while twinkle lights are full of warmth (and a bit of magic). Set the tone of a room with these lights.

Electric Jellyfish Night Light

Ultra memorizing night lights that offer visual distraction and a calming ambiance. It can help slow breathing and heart rate to be focused on something this calming.

Vestibular Sensory Toys

Rocking Chair

There’s a good reason these chairs are used with young infants to calm them! The vestibular motion of rocking back and forth relieves anxiety and helps remind kids of the security of being in your arms. Bonus proprioceptive points if they can sit on your lap while you hug them tight.

Indoor Pod Swing

A pod swing can be both alerting or calming, depending on the way you move it. Rocking back and forth in this has been our go-to way to calm down DURING a sensory meltdown. I like the pods because of the comfort of the enclosure.  (Follow your child’s lead as vestibular input can be very finicky!)

Oral Sensory Toys

ARK’s Textured Grabber XXT

Meeting a child’s oral sensory needs can relieve anxiety. The jaw provides plenty of proprioceptive input while chomping.  This chewy has many different textures to choose from. Plus, the long arm helps reach the back molars.

Terry Cloth Chew Bands

Some kids prefer the texture of fabric and enjoy sucking on their shirt collars. Theses chewies provide for that need, offering an outlet for their anxiety through oral sensory input! Thankfully, these chewies are super absorbent as well, to keep the spit to a minimum.

Olfactory Sensory Toys

Spider Web Aromatherapy Diffuser Necklace

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

Essential Oil Diffuser

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

Tactile Sensory Toys

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. Give anxious fingers and outlet for their energy and watch the body relax.

Stretchy String Fidget

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

Vibrating Pillow

Vibration can be calming to some kids, especially if they deal with tactile issues. Give it a try and see if it helps!

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.

When your child starts showing sensory overload symptoms, try these sensory toys for anxiety!

The post Sensory Toys for Anxiety (From Auditory to Vestibular!) appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

When your child has sensory needs, it can be hard to know what sensory activities and tools will be the most beneficial without breaking the bank.

While there are plenty of ways to get sensory input with zero equipment, or even the furniture in your own house, it can be worthwhile to have a couple sensory toys at home that deliver multiple sensory benefits.

Sensory swings would have to be at the top of the list.

What are the Benefits of Sensory Swings

Sensory swings offer considerable vestibular input as well as proprioceptive input. Vestibular input comes from the inner ear and relates to movement. Depending on the direction of the movement, it can be calming or alerting. Surprisingly, the best sensory input to help kids regulate all their sensory needs is one that most folks have never heard of, proprioception. Proprioceptive input No matter

Since most sensory kids have multiple needs, sensory swings are a great way to multitask!

Types of Vestibular Input and a Caution

The body can move on all sorts of planes and directions and each one can affect a child differently.

You can move from side to side like how tired parents swing their babies from side to side, front to back like in a rocking chair, rotary, like spinning in circles, diagonal or straight vertical, as well as being still but inverted.

Kids may like some movements and avoid others. That’s one of the reasons vestibular is so very tricky. But in general, rocking and side to side motion is calming while spinning is alerting (which is not necessarily a bad thing, especially for seekers) And usually inversion helps with regulation. 

CAUTION: Vestibular input is extremely fickle! Follow your child’s cues, including their non-verbal ones. They may enjoy spinning and be giggling and begging for more when suddenly it’s like a flipped switch and everything changes. Be ready to change immediately. Watch for facial expressions and body language or tension because often times kids can’t verbalize in the moment.

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

Platform Sensory Swings

Giant Mat Platform Swing

Highly affordable swing that kids can sit, stand or lay flat on (prone position). It’s highly directional (only front to back or side-to-side).

Carpeted Platform Swing

This swing is the gold standard in most occupational therapy gyms. It’s carpeted for comfort and can move in any direction smoothly.

Additional Prone Sensory Swings

Mesh Swing Seat Hanging Hammock

This simple swing is for the ultimate sensory seeker! Many kids will love the webbing giving extra tactile input along with the trunk workout required to stay in the prone position.

Cocoon-like Swings

Pod Swing Seat

If you can only get one swing, I’d suggest this one! This swing can move in every direction and offer the safe feeling of the fabric enclosing your child in a safe nest.

Indoor Therapy Swing

These swings are fantastic for proprioceptive seekers. Kids weight pulls the fabric tight around them providing all sorts of sensory benefits while giving the opportunity to get plenty of vestibular input too!

Spinning Swings

Web Tree Swing Saucer

While a bunch of the swings on this list qualify as spinners, this swing will rotate smoothly and the round platform will help kids feel secure.

Outdoor Sensory Swings

Disk Seat Swing

This swing helps kids develop muscle tone while moving around. Their core has to work hard even while their grip improves. (Note: this swing could even improve your child’s handwriting!)

Climbing Rope Disc Swing Seat

Similar to the previous swing, but with the added benefit of being a climbing rope!

Ring Trapeze Bar Combo Swing

For the ultimate sensory seekers, look no further. Not only do kids develop their arm strength while getting vestibular input, they can even swing with their head inverted! Major plus!

Indoor Sensory Swings

Hammock Chair Swing Seat

Ultimate in comfort. Great for kids to use while reading a book or for those with poor muscle tone.

Indoor Gym Swings

This kit has a bunch of options to get vestibular and proprioceptive input right in the door frame of your own home!

Multi-Person Swings

Kids Nest Swing Chair Nook

How cool is this swing? If your child is resistant to swings, maybe having someone else join them will make it irresistible! (Remember, never force sensory input ESPECIALLY vestibular input!)

Spinner Platform Swing

Well-padded platform swing that can handle more than one kiddo!

The post The Best Sensory Swings and Their Benefits 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.