Okay fellow Moms and Dads, here we are, right smack in the middle of the dreaded Seattle winter. It’s raining almost everyday, it’s cold (to us), it’s dark by 5 pm, and if your house is like mine, your kids are cooped up and bouncing off the walls. With at least a couple more months before the ground dries up and we have light in the evening, I thought I’d offer a few fun ideas on how to get some good ol’ fashioned active play in at home until you and your littles can get back to their favorite park. Below is a list of five simple sensory motor activities that will be sure to get some wiggles out.

First, a quick lesson in sensory processing. Wait, sensory what?! Sensory processing is the term used to describe how our brains process and integrate sensory information from our surroundings and our bodies in order to effectively complete the countless tasks we are faced with each day. This is required for everything we do, from getting out of bed and brushing our teeth, to preparing and eating a meal, to driving, to going for a run, to kicking up our feet after a long day to watch our favorite show.

Did you know that we actually have seven senses, not five? It’s true. In addition to our sense of taste, touch, smell, sight and hearing, we also have two very important body sensations: proprioception, and the vestibular sense.

• Proprioception refers to our body’s sense of  its own movement and is provided by feedback from our muscles and joints; it is what informs us of our body’s position in space and it contributes to our sense of body awareness.
• Our vestibular sense is processed in the inner ear and gives us information about the movement and position of our head; it contributes to our sense of balance, our posture, and our ability to maintain a stable visual field.

“And why do I need to know all this?” you’re probably asking. First off, our brain’s ability to integrate our proprioceptive and vestibular senses, along with our senses of touch and vision, is what lays the groundwork for our motor development. Think of it this way – it’s awfully hard to climb ladders and cross monkey bars with a vague sense of proprioception, and it’s challenging to learn to ride a bike or roller skate when your vestibular sense is off.

Secondly, it’s important to note that sensory motor activities and experiences are very subjective and have varying effects from child to child (and person to person). While swinging on a swing may be calming and relaxing for one kiddo, it can be really exciting and arousing for another, and scary and nerve-wracking to yet another. As a result, this list of activity ideas comes with a caveat: find what works for your child. Ideally, you want to figure out activities that get them moving and give them the input they need, but leave them feeling calm and organized rather than revved and chaotic.This will take some trial and error, but as a general rule:

• heavy work activities that provide a lot of intense input to muscles and joints are usually calming (think pushing, pulling, dragging, lifting, carrying, hanging, climbing, jumping, crashing)
• providing deep pressure to your kiddo’s entire body is also calming. For example, full body hugs/squeezing your child into a tight ball in your lap, rolling a exercise ball over your child with a good amount of pressure, sandwiching your kiddo between pillows, having them squeeze into a tight space, or having them wear weighted clothing/blankets
• movement activities with a lot of speed, orbital or spinning motions are generally stimulating. If your kiddo is seeking this kind of intense input, let them get it in small doses, then follow it up with some heavy work or deep pressure.

Okay, all that being said, what can you do at home to get your kiddos tuckered out without seeing them spin out of control? Here’s a list of my favorite indoor activities, many of which I remember loving when I was a kid. But with each one – safety first! Make sure to lay down the ground rules before playing to avoid any owies.

• Make a homemade swing. All you need is sheet or blanket and two adults. Each adult holds two corners, lay a kiddo on top, and swing them side-to-side or up and down. For added input, stand next to a cushy couch or bed and swing, swing, swing then dump them out for a good crash. This is a good vestibular activity, and adding the crash gives them some full-body tactile and proprioceptive input.

• Indoor sledding. Again, just a sheet or blanket is all you need. Lay it out on the floor, have your kiddo sit or lay on top, then pick up two of the corners and give them a thrill as you drag them around your hardwood floors. I remember my uncle doing this with us as kids and when we got a little more brave he’d take us “sledding” down the stairs. Another great vestibular activity.

So there you have it! Now you can embrace that next rainy day with a little creative indoor PLAY!

Kristin Bedard leads an “Ask the OT” play date on Wednesdays at Roo’s World of Discovery at 11am. She has been a practicing pediatric OT for the past six years and specializes in working with children who have sensory processing difficulties. Kristin brings a wealth of knowledge from her background in both the clinic and school settings and we are excited to have her as a resource for our Roo’s World families! You can learn more about Kristin by visiting her website. She is accepting new pediatric occupational therapy clients and sees them at Roo’s World.

5 QUICK TIPS FOR ENJOYING THE HOLIDAYS WITH YOUR SENSORY SENSITIVE CHILD

Can you believe it? It’s that time of year again! Before you know it your house will be transforming into a winter wonderland and your calendar will fill up with more holiday events than you know how to squeeze in. If you have a child who is sensitive to change, is easily overstimulated, or is just more of an introvert, then you may find the holiday season to be a particularly tricky time of year. Not to worry! Here’s a list of tips and tricks to keep your kiddos comfortable amidst all the holiday bustle, and to make this season a bit more merry and bright.

1. Prep them. Giving your child a heads up about the day’s or weekend’s events can really go a long way in setting them up for success. If you have a school event or holiday party to go to, describe it to them. Where will it be? What will you do? Who will be there? What will you eat? Make it a fun conversation so they have positive feelings going into it. Added bonus: this also gives you a good opportunity to outline acceptable party behavior. For instance “It’s not polite to say you hate green bean casserole. Instead, you can say ‘I don’t care for that, thank you.’” Or “When somebody gives you a gift make sure to tell them ‘Thank you.’” Remember, we can’t expect our kids to intrinsically know how to act and respond to all situations, especially new ones or ones that are overwhelming to them. We need to teach them.
2. Pace yourself. If you’re a household that really goes the extra mile with holiday décor, consider putting things out in stages. One day put up the tree, the next day decorate it, another day put out your nativity scene, another day set out all your Santas, and so on. Your kiddo may appreciate this slow transformation as opposed to a quick and shocking overhaul. Similarly, pace yourself with the number of events you plan each day. If you know the mall makes your little one bonkers, it’s probably best to head home afterward rather than trying to make an appearance at your neighbor’s holiday party.
3. Enlist their help. Many families have a tradition of putting up their holiday décor together, which is a perfect way to avoid the element of surprise that can throw our more sensitive kids off. Take this idea one step further and offer them choices about your household decorations (just make sure either option is something that works for you). This will make your kids feel like they have some control in the face of all the new changes. For instance, “Should we string white lights or colored lights?” “Should we use white candles or blue candles?” Apply this same technique when choosing your kids’ formal attire and you might even avoid the arguments and struggles to get dressed that will otherwise make you late to the season’s events.
4. Keep a “Cozy Corner” in the house. Having a designated quiet area for your little one to cool down when they’re feeling overstimulated is a good way for them to reset and avoid escalating to melt-down status. Maybe it’s their bed, a quiet corner in the living room, the space underneath the dining room table, or even the bath tub – talk with your kiddo to come up with a mutually agreed upon spot that is all their own. Teach them how to use it and as a bonus they may begin to learn to identify when they’re hitting their limit AND implement this successful strategy for dealing with this out-of-control feeling. Remember, sensory input has a cumulative effect throughout the day, so unless we learn ways to let our brain reset we are all susceptible to hitting our limit.
5. Listen to your little one. Through it all – the parties, the shopping, the excitement and anticipation of gift-giving time – be extra in-tune to your kids’ verbal and non-verbal cues. Maybe it’s their activity level, their appetite, or the volume of their voice. Or maybe they’re just saying to you “Mommy, I want to go home,” like my daughter will occasionally tell me. Nobody knows your child’s warning signs better than you do, so be their advocate this holiday season and help them feel more in control of their bodies and their emotions. Remind yourself that they don’t like melting down any more than you like picking them up off the floor kicking and screaming.

Kristin Bedard is an OTR/L. You can visit her site here. Kristin is accepting new pediatric OT clients and sees them at Roo’s World of Discovery.

I don’t know everything, so if you have a resource to add, please contact us.

*Updated on Feb. 3, 2016

EARLY INTERVENTION AND MORE

Boyer Children’s Clinic – no experience but have heard good things.

Cogwheel Clinic for Neurodevelopment – no personal experience other than an introductory session for my mommy group but have heard mixed things. Tip: there is no wait for their ABA therapy; they don’t take insurance but will help you submit.

Kindering – where Roo received most of her early intervention services. We started at 18 months but should have started earlier (we were a little in denial). We were receiving private therapy previously and while we loved it, we were missing out on some of the educational resources and socialization opportunities that Kindering provides. Tip: Participate in their educational classes (e.g., Co-op, Stepping Stones).

Mosaic Rehab – no personal experience; and, they may have more than just ABA therapy, so look into it.

Seattle Children’s Autism Center – no personal experience. Tip: Wait list is long, so get a referral early!

Seattle Children’s Playgarden – an outdoor play space that features a sensory garden (music, fruit, vegetable, herbs and more), a daycare/preschool and summer camps. Tip: We attended their mommy and me summer camp program and loved it! Sign up early so you don’t miss out.

UW Autism Center – no personal experience but I know families who have participated in the UW’s Tadpole study and LOVED it. Tip: Wait list is long for the clinic, so get a referral early!

Kristin Bedard, OTRL – Kristin is a pediatric occupational therapist and hosts our weekly Ask the OT Play Date on Wednesdays. She is also available to do occupational therapy with children in Roo’s World space.

Indoor Play

For a complete list of amazing indoor play spaces, visit ParentMap, RedTricycle and other area resources. The following are spaces that Roo and I have visited:

Eastside Indoor

Dabuda Playhouse and Cafe – an indoor play space that is very similar to WiggleWorks with a nice cafe attached. The owner is super sweet. Tip: Located towards the back of an office park/warehouse area, it’s a bit hard to find but worth the trip, especially since it’s not super popular (yet)!

Funtastic Playtorium – next to KidsQuest Museum (until KidsQuest moves to downtown Bellevue) in Factoria Mall, the Playtorium is an enormous jungle gym with a toddler area. This is a super-fun space for kids who don’t mind noise and lots of kids running around. Tip: Be sure to bring socks!

KidsQuest Children’s Museum – while technically a museum and not a play space, KidsQuest has a great space for kids under three. Their annual membership is totally reasonable and they have some fantastic programs. Tip: They feature a sensory night once a month.

ROMP – the most similar space to Roo’s World; in my opinion, ROMP is geared more towards academics with a calendar full of educational classes for children (it seems age four and up). It’s a gorgeous space and worth a visit! Tip: Call in advance for a drop in pass.

WiggleWorksKids – located in Crossroads Shopping Center, WiggleWorks is the best place to take your kiddo to get their wiggles out. For my sensory sensitive child, WiggleWorks is best on slow days (which are far and few between). Tip: Don’t miss out on the .25 rides throughout Crossroads! A cheap rainy day activity.

South Sound

Frog N Kiwi Cafe – it’s a bit far from the Eastside (we met some friends visiting from out of town) but it was a sweet place to visit. They also have a Cedarworks climbing structure. Tip: The cafe was meh (just being honest, and I’m a bit of a food snob).

Seattle

OmCulture/OmTots – their weekday play is awesome and is a great environment for kiddos with sensory issues. The lighting is low and every day they offer a circle time with songs and sometimes they bring out drums! Tip: Be sure to check their hours before you go.

Seattle Children’s Museum – right in Seattle Center, this is a fun place to explore with your little one. Tip: Right upstairs is a great food court for hungry tummies!

Be sure to pick up your copy!

Roo’s World was created with the sensitive child in mind, especially those children who are introverted or have developmental delays and struggle with large crowded noisy places. Without hindering a child’s nature to explore, move and have fun, we’ve designed our space to encourage a more peaceful play and learning experience by using:

• Colors that inspire a calm and creative environment
• Quiet music in the background to inspire creativity and learning

We also carefully selected eco-friendly toys and materials, when possible, to further protect the health of our children.

We offer reserved hours, daily, for families with children who prefer to play without the crowds. Families with children who have physical/developmental delays and sensory processing disorders or who are medically fragile are given priority.

Roo’s World is divided into different areas of play and learning inspired by the Montessori philosophy to encourages early childhood development including:

• Practical Life
• Sensorial
• Movement

Roo’s World of Discovery encourages:

• A hands-on family experience, meant for both the child and the caregiver
• Giving your young child the gift of meaningful and engaged play
• Connecting with other mothers, parents and caregivers in a comfortable and relaxing environment
• Grabbing a cup of coffee or tea and settling in with your little one

We look forward to playing and learning with you,
Michelle and Madeleine (Roo)