As we realized that we couldn’t keep letting our little guy use the couch as a trampoline or the people who sat on our couch as a jungle gym, I started to look for “appropriate alternative behavior” outlets for when he joined us for movies or family time. I loaded up a small basket with some “noiseless” sensory hand fidgets. This was a special basket I would give to him when we were sitting on the couch together or I needed him to sit still for longer than usual. He could reach in, find things and play with them quietly, then move on to the next item in the basket as he was ready for a change without anyone prompting him. As I found something new or interesting, I would change out some of the items so it was always a surprise what he would pull out. I liked the idea of a small closed/drawstring top basket, so the 5-6 items needed to be hand-held size. They also needed to be special, not things he used all the time. It kept the clutter out of our living room and could easily be stored within reach or taken with us as needed. Each person reacts to different sensory stimuli so there is no need to buy expensive items to put in your basket. Most of our items were already around our house or from the Dollar Store. Here are a few examples:
Hope this gives you some ideas for your own sensory basket. If you found something not on this lost that worked well, please share in the comments below! - Andrea Smit, 5/14/17
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Many children have trouble sitting still. When watching a movie or talking with the family, they constantly want to move, bounce, or fidget. If your kid is one one of them, you have probably struggled for a solution. The secret? If the situation permits, let them move! There are great products out there that allow your child to sit and still move. Here are a few: The Bounce Ball: One easy way to give your kid a chance to wiggle and bounce is an inflatable ball. Yoga balls are good, but they are often too big for smaller kids. I found that Mega Bounce inflatable balls are just the right size (about 55 inches around.) They are inexpensive (under $15) and come with a foot pump to inflate and deflate. They are great for sitting or lying on. Get this one made by Duncan Toys on Amazon.com by clicking the link below. The Bungee Chair: Another great alternative seat for kids who do better if they can wiggle or bounce is a chair made of bungee cords. Sounds fun, right? In a way, it is like a trampoline that you sit in and bounce. It is also quick and easy for kids to pull out and set up. The best part is that this chair folds up and can be stored behind a door when not needed. Get this one made by Room Essentials at Target by clicking the link below. Do you know of any other great products to let kids both sit and move? Let us know in the comments below!
-Gillian Smit, 5/3/17 |
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