Sensory Strategies for Home

Strategies to use at home

These activities are some ideas that help get the needed input while you are at home. They can help in the moment or as preparatory activities before you head out into the community. If you ever have questions or need help finding more activities, contact your occupational therapist.

Activities

Crashing

Kids who need proprioceptive input regularly "crash" into things. Giving them an opportunity to do this in a controlled and safe way can be very beneficial

Swing

Swinging is a great way to get vestibular input. Whether it's standard back and forth, side-to-side, or even spinning, this is a great chance for kids to get the vestibular input they crave

Jumping - trampolines, jump rope

Jumping is another way to get proprioceptive input. This can be as simple as hopscotch, using a jump rope, or if you have one, using a trampoline

Wheelbarrow walk

Often an OT favorite, wheelbarrow walking is a great proprioceptive activity. As your child balances on their hands, hold their ankles off the ground and have them walk for as long as they can. If that is too difficult for them, you can try to hold them at the knees or waist as well.

Cleaning!

Mopping or sweeping is an activity that both you and your child can benefit from. As they push around the mop, not only are they getting proprioceptive input but also cleaning your floors

Washing windows

Using a spray bottle to squirt the window before wiping it down is another proprioceptive activity that benefits you both.

Playdough

Kneading playdough or other similar things such as slime is a perfect activity to get the fingers and hands involved in some tactile or proprioceptive input

Chew gum

A workout for your child's mouth, chewing gum or eating crunch foods, not only gets proprioceptive input to the mouth but also gets their taste receptors working too

Scrub the table

Yet another cleaning activity! Scrubbing the table or other surfaces gives proprioceptive input through the upper body

Yard work

First cleaning and now yard work? Shoveling dirt or snow, raking leaves, or pushing a wheelbarrow allows your child to get needed tactile or proprioceptive input while continuing to help you out as well

Pull a wagon

The perfect proprioceptive activity to use with their siblings or maybe their favorite stuffed animal

Swimming

The resistance of the water is a fun and great way to get proprioceptive and tactile input

Ride bike

Going for a bike ride is another chance to get proprioceptive input and they peddle around and around

Sensory Stories

Stories that include sensory experiences along with words. For example, if the story is about playing on a beach, it may include touching sand to help make the story feel alive

Sensory Pod Swing

Calming corner

Sometimes your child might need the to relax rather than move around. Setting up a calming corner will give them a safe space for them to chill out and let their bodies regulate. Below are some items and examples of what you might include in this area.

Stuffed Animals

Bean bag

Dim lights

Star lights

Body Sock

Soft rug

Books

Coloring

Fidgets

Debrief (If your child is able)

Privacy and Quiet

Hype up to calm down

Sometimes you might need to allow your child to move and get their needed input before they will calm down. When a child needs input, they are going to do whatever they can to get it no matter what you say. This could be as simple as squirming in their seat to running around the house. By allowing them the opportunity to get their input and regulate, they are more likely to have the ability calm down after. This can increase focus and learning which will allow them to participate in a much more functional way.

Environmental modifications

There are also a few things that you can do around your home that will help to control the sensory input that your child is getting:

Control the noise. Having the TV on while you are talking and the fan is blowing as the stove is sizzling can be distracting for anyone let alone your child with sensory modulation challenges. Limiting background noise, and helping to create a more quiet space in general, will help prevent sensory overload

Give them room to move. We all get antsy and need to get up and move around from time to time. This feeling is amplified in your child with sensory difficulties. By giving them the space they need to move, they will be able to get their needed input much easier

Dim the lights. If possible dim the lights or even just turn on a lamp instead of the bright overhead lights. Sensitivity to light can have an impact on a large number of areas so dimming them will help to prevent overload while making the environment calmer

Limit strong smells. This can be a little bit more of a tricky one. It can come from cooking, cleaning materials, or even your deodorant but these smells can be overpowering. Managing these scents can help your child have one less distraction or potential for overload at home

While all of these things may help, you might find yourself doing the opposite as well. Increasing noise, squeezing them tight, brightening the lights, or increasing smells. As with anything, all kids are different and it will take some trial and error to find out what is right for yours.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse