It’s amazing how a diagnosis can change your life.
When an Occupational Therapist told me that my son has Sensory Processing Disorder, I didn’t even know what we’d be dealing with.
Now, all things sensory come pretty naturally to me. I know how to recognize my sons needs and get him the input he’s craving (or remove him from a situation that is too much.)
I’m always looking for ways to fill my house with toys and tools that will provide that input for my son. I’m beyond excited to share our newest addition… THE BALANCE BOARD!
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I’d heard of balance boards (also called wobble boards) before, but they always seemed out of our price range. Then I read the book Sensory Processing 101 (scroll to the bottom for a chance to win this incredible resource!) and realized I could make one of these myself for pennies in minutes!
But do Balance Boards work???
They do! It all comes back to the vestibular system. Never heard of it? Yeah, I hadn’t before the diagnosis either. The Vestibular System relates to the inner ear, and how the body analyses balance and movement. Some kids are extremely sensitive to Vestibular input (like my son) and are fearful of certain movement. Other kids crave it and do all sorts of acrobatics to get the input they desire.
Balance Boards help kids to get positive Vestibular input while feeling secure in their immediate environment.
(If you’re looking for a easy to understand, yet thorough, explanation of the Vestibular System, Sensory Processing 101 has a great section on it!)
So How do you use a Balance Board?
A balance board is a relatively safe way to help a child get used to Vestibular input. All that your child really needs to do is to stand on it. Then, they will shift their body weight and respond appropriately to the changing stimuli. At first, my son just enjoyed tilting the board from left to right. Eventually, he attempted to keep his body centered and the board only balanced on the rolling pipe. I couldn’t believe the bravery I saw in him! It seemed that knowing the board could only fall a couple inches helped him challenge himself further.
If your child is nervous at first, you can try distracting them with a favorite toy or some jumpy music. Also, you can try handing them things from different sides of the board so that they have to shift their weight. When they get better, see how long they can balance with both sides of the board in the air.
I should warn you now though: After you get your kids to try it, they are definitely going to want to see you try it. Don’t be afraid to be a little silly about it. Your kids will love that you did.
Want to fill your home with toys that are a benefit to their sensory systems? Check out these incredible sensory toys!
(Tired of being baffled by sensory behavior? Have a sensory activity to fit every need, situation and budget! Grab yourself some FREE printables and gain VIP access to blog articles by clicking here!)
Check out his glee!
I’m so thankful that I have the book Sensory Processing 101 in my home library. I’ve read so many books on SPD, but this one is really a “one stop shop”.
It starts off explaining the brain’s sensory needs. The book is written by a team of parents AND occupational therapists so it’s an easy yet accurate read! Then come the abundance of sensory activities sorted by which sense they benefit. I thought I’d see it all, but I was wrong! So many incredible ideas! Then the resources at the end are perfect tools for having around the house! Even if you or your child doesn’t have SPD, it’s vital for EVERYONE to understand their sensory needs, regardless of whether they fall within normal range. 
October is sensory Processing Awareness month so to honor that, the authors are offering a buy one, get one free sale through the end of October. Purchase one eBook and you’ll receive a second eBook FREE to spread the word on Sensory Processing! And then of course, there’s a chance to WIN a free PRINT copy of the book, just by entering the contest below! Best of luck! 
(Open to US residents 18 and over only.) a Rafflecopter giveaway 
Shop Sensory Resources…
70+ Printable Sensory Activities Cards
Sensory Parenting 101 {E-Course}
Customizable, Printable, SPD Brochure for Care Givers
Julie is a frazzled mom of three tornadoes. As a dorky second-generation homeschooler, she writes about learning and play, natural living, special needs parenting and matters of the heart. She serves an astounding God that radically saved her.
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Susan says
I would love to win this for my Family Childcare.
Saima says
I would love to win one for my children!
Spiros says
A tool for my boy’s development
Carla says
I will love win , because all I want its help my sweet boy?
Chuck at Bouncing Teeter totters says
Great article and we liked reading how your son started using the balance board and how he progressed with it. Thanks for the article.
Vanessa says
Hi!
Thanks for the info and idea. Just curious to know how often your son plays or played with the board. Was it short lived or a favourite activity? Did he initiate playing with it on his own?
Thanks!
Julie says
Those are really good questions. So my son is a vestibular avoider, so I definitely had to be the one to suggest using this. A seeker would LOVE it, but for him, it was a FUN way to be challenged and work through difficulties. Does that help?