Helping Parents When Kids Are Out of School: Tips and Ideas for Sensory Seekers

How does this happen? Summer is halfway through, and I’m running out of ideas for my

kids. HELP! School breaks can be a great time for families to bond, but they can also

present challenges, especially for parents of sensory seeking kids. These children often

need specific activities and toys to help them regulate their sensory input and stay

engaged. Here are some tips and ideas to help parents navigate school breaks with their

sensory-seeking children.

1. Create a Structured Routine

Children, especially those with sensory needs, thrive on routine. Try to maintain a

consistent daily schedule that includes time for play, meals, and rest. This predictability

can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of security. Visual schedules and calendars

can be helpful for kids to understand that their preferred play time IS coming.

2. Incorporate Sensory Activities

Engage your child in activities that cater to their sensory needs.

Water Play: Fill a tub with water and let your child splash around. A large or small bucket,

the garden hose, or a kiddie pool helps kids cool off, and gives them a sensory experience.

Add some water toys for extra fun. Always supervise your kids around water – even shallow

water.

Sand Play: A sandbox can be a great way for children to explore different textures. Kinetic

Sand and Moon Sand are fun alternatives to an outdoor sandbox. Using a bucket or kiddie

pool with sand in it can make clean-up a breeze.

Swinging: A backyard swing or a sensory swing can provide the vestibular input many

sensory seekers crave. You can get swings at the park or with a backyard swing set, but

swings are not your only options for movement. A Sit-N-Spin, backyard hammock, small

ball pit, or mini trampoline can provide sensory input during the summer months.

3. Use Sensory Toys/OT Toys

OT toys are designed to help children with sensory processing issues. Here are some

must-haves:

Fidget Spinners and Fidget Cubes: These can help children focus and reduce anxiety.

Fidgets can be almost anything your child likes to hold and play with. They can be squishy,

spinners, sticky, appropriate for chewing, or popable. You may have some of these thingslying around your house. With an empty water bottle, some clear Elmer’s Glue and glitter

(10 minutes of fun and a lifetime of clean up – or is that just my house?), you can make a

fun glitter bottle/visual timer.

Weighted Items: These provide deep pressure stimulation, which can be calming. Filling a

laundry basket with heavy toys, books, or lots of laundry can provide deep pressure some

kids find calming and engaging. Fill a backpack with your child’s favorite books and go on

an adventure around the house. Have your child roll the weighted Yoga Ball that has been

collecting dust since the holidays (or is that just my house?).

Therapy Putty: Great for strengthening hand muscles and providing tactile input. Silly putty

and Play Doh are also excellent and less expensive substitutes. You can make slime at

home with a few simple ingredients or make a stress ball with a deflated balloon and some

corn starch.

4. Plan Outdoor Activities

Outdoor play is essential for all children, but especially for sensory seekers. Activities like

hiking, biking, and playing at the park can provide the physical and sensory input they

need. Some days you just can’t get outside, so it’s perfectly okay to create a movement

game/obstacle course in your house. Dining room chairs make a nice bus if they are lined

up, or they make a great tunnel when covered with a large bed sheet. Grab some dice (from

the game you keep meaning to invite friends over for a game night but never do – again,

maybe just me), and allow your child to roll the dice and move up and down the hallway

with various animal walks – bear walks, frog jumps, doggie crawl, crab walk, bunny hops –

all great for sensory input and gross motor coordination skills.

5. Create a Sensory-Friendly Space

Designate a space in your home where your child can go to calm down and relax. This

could include soft lighting, calming music, and sensory toys. A small tent, a bean bag

chair, a weighted blanket (with supervision) or weighted toys, can all be in your kid’s

calming corner. A fluffy throw rug/bathmat, books, and fidgets are always welcome in the

Sensory Station.

6. Encourage Creative Play

Creative activities like drawing, painting, and building with blocks can help children

express themselves and develop fine motor skills. These can be indoor or outdoor

activities, and you can up your sensory game by including sand in their paint or allowing

them to finger-paint. Bristle blocks add a tactile touch to the traditional building toys, and

sidewalk chalk is perfect for vibrant creativity and easy clean up.7. Stay Connected with Other Parents

Connecting with other parents who have children with similar needs can provide support

and share ideas. Consider joining local or online support groups.

8. Take Breaks

Remember to take breaks for yourself. Caring for a child with sensory needs can be

demanding, so it’s important to recharge and take care of your own well-being. Allowing

your children some downtime too can give everybody a well-deserved break.

Conclusion

School breaks can be a joyful time for families, but they sometimes require careful

planning and consideration, especially for parents of sensory seekers. By incorporating

structured routines, sensory activities, and OT toys, parents can create a supportive and

engaging environment for their children. Remember, the goal is to make the break

enjoyable and stress-free for everyone involved.