Sensory Help Now

We are now almost halfway through the calendar year and most children (and parents) are ready for the summer holidays after a long school year in the Northern Hemisphere. Six weeks can be a long time though and there can be a temptation to overfill and overbook this time with activities. We are also mindful that for many working parents, holiday clubs are a necessity and we’ll consider this here too.

The first key consideration is that building in time for rest, relaxation and free play is important. For the entire school year, children have been subjected to timetabling and rushing about and they need to have the opportunity not to be subjected to a summer that is overbooked. Free play is important for many reasons. It creates an opportunity for children to explore the world in their own way and helps foster creativity and using their imagination. It also helps to develop their problem-solving skills and independence. For children with sensory differences, it also provides an opportunity to play in a way that supports their sensory needs without pressure from others. They also need time to decompress after spending a school year trying to fit into situations outside their comfort zone.

So whilst you might think it’s important to book a range of trips and outings to keep your children occupied during the summer, giving them time to play at home without a specific schedule or plan can be one of the best things you can do when you have the opportunity. For working parents who have to rely on organised childcare or summer clubs during the school holiday break, this could mean taking it easy at the weekends and not rushing off anywhere. Children benefit from the freedom not to be constantly rushed somewhere.

So what kind of activities or set-up does free play involve? First of all, you need to provide a safe space and then listening to your child is key. Are they interested in crafts or colouring, reading or construction toys for example? There are low-cost options for all of these activities that do not involve a trip to the toyshop or an Amazon delivery. If you are not a member of your local library yet, do sign up. Some libraries have jigsaw puzzles and other activity resources that they lend out. There are also more than 1000 toy libraries in the UK. Once you have provided your child with resources for activities, encourage them to use them in a way that is pleasing and enjoyable for them. UNICEF also has a range of resources if you and your child are stuck for ideas and need some help to get started.

For children with sensory differences, make sure you have time for gross motor activities and movement activities that help your child regulate their sensory systems. Climbing (trees) or climbing frames, going on swings, and ziplining are all examples of activities that provide proprioceptive and vestibular input. Check out our Sensory Help Now Instagram feed where we highlight ideas for gross (and fine motor) activities.

Remember there is no right or wrong way to play - just have fun! Once children are pressured, it is no longer play but work for them.

Have a great summer and happy playing! 

Best wishes

Lelanie

PS You may also be interested in our Summer Sensory Survival Kit. Packed with practical tips and suggestions to help those experiencing sensory processing differences, this free guide covers a wide range of topics – from keeping your sensory child cool, boosting and calming energy levels, transitioning to a summer wardrobe or coping with summer food eating - to help you navigate the sensory challenges of summer. Download your free copy of the guide here. 

Sensory Snapshot is a regular series by Advanced SI Practitioner and OT Lelanie Brewer. Lelanie gained her MSc in OT at Brunel University, London and completed her PhD studies at Newcastle University where her research explored self-care in children with and without motor impairments. Experienced in the NHS, charity and private sectors, as well as being a UK university senior lecturer, Lelanie is the Professional Advisor for Lifelong Learning at Sensory Integration Education.