Our Favorite Vestibular Exercises

On By justmymomsenseIn Sensory ResourcesLeave a comment

Before I get into what some of our favorite Vestibular Exercises are, let’s review what the Vestibular Sense is.

According to NAPA:

The vestibular sense is small structures located in our inner ears which provide information to our brain about the position of our head, motion, and works with other sensory systems to tell us where our body is in space. 

When the vestibular system works correctly, the constant presence of gravity allows all our other sensory systems to work cohesively. The vestibular system contributes to our ability to balance, maintain an upright posture, and stabilize the head and body when moving. It has no effect on muscle strength which is also needed for postural control. – napacenter.org

Now we can into how the kiddos have fun while getting vestibular input!

First up, the Sensory Swing:

We have the Mesh Sensory Swing from Sensory Scout. The sensory swing is great because of the variety of ways it can be used. It can be a place to chill and read or it can be used building muscles by standing and swinging. Learn more about the benefits of swinging from Sensory Scout:

Next up we have an exercise puzzle mat!

I’m pretty sure I found these at the Target Dollar Spot, but we’ve had them for awhile so I’m not 100%. Each piece has a different exercise on it. We’ve combined them in a bin with dice. The kids will lay them out, roll the dice for the quantity or time they should do each exercise. It’s a great way to give them sensory input, get in some physical activity and have fun!

Finally, we have our trampoline!

When it doubt, jump it out! Our trampoline is in our backyard but having a smaller one for inside might be a good option as well. Jumping in the fresh air is always a great way to get some sensory input, work out frustrations and of course have lots of fun with a ton of laughter!

I do recognize that there are safety concerns when it comes to trampolines. Please be sure to set up proper precautions and supervise your child at all times.

These are just a few of our favorites but there’s so many options! We’ll have days where we’re rocking, climbing, dancing and more. Find what works best for you and your family!

For more on the Vestibular Sense:

NapaCenter.org

STAR Institute

Sensory Spectacle on YouTube

Visit Santa Online

On By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

During the 2020 Holiday Season, I got to interview the one and only Santa Clause on the Dillo’s Diz Podcast. With still so much uncertainty surrounding us, it was a comfort to be speaking with someone so magical. Aside from the huge honor of interviewing him, we were also chatting about VisitSantaOnline.com, where families could book a zoom call with the big guy himself!

We had been to visit Santa in person in previous years when the kids were in the baby/toddler stage. Since some time had passed, they were feeling a little nervous about seeing him in real life. As we all know, 2020 was a time where not many things were happening in person. The combination of these two factors had me running to this new way to connect with St. Nick!

The visit was amazing! Santa connected with both kids, who were 3 and 6 at the time, and brought Christmas magic to life. He was able to chat with them about some of their wishes for Christmas, school and more. 3 years later, they have continued to talk about it and we decided to book another call with Santa.

With 5 days left until Christmas, we appreciated Santa finding time out of his busy schedule to once again chat with us. Now at 9 and 6, the kids were once again star struck seeing him again. Another magical memory has been made.

If your child is a bit skiddish about meeting Santa in person, if a mall setting would be too overwhelming, or maybe scheduling an in person meeting is tough, I highly recommend checking out VisitSantaOnline.com. You get time to chat with Santa and a recording of the zoom call once it’s done. It’s a fantastic experience!

Thankful for the Christmas season, for watching magic through my kids’ eyes and for Santa as he creates memorable moments!

Holidays and Sensory Processing

On By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Holidays can be a stressful time for all of us. Some of that stress is fun and exciting, but for some people it can be completely overwhelming. Last year, I wrote about how my son asked the question “why is Christmas so overwhelming?” You can read that blog by clicking here.

Feeling comfortable and happy this time of year means creating a welcoming environment, especially for those with sensory processing difficulties. In the past, I’ve talked about the great resource that is Sensory Spectacle. Becky Lyddon has a podcast and recently talked about helpful tips around the holidays. I’m linking it here for those that are interested.

World Mental Health Day

On By justmymomsenseIn Anxiety, Mental Health2 Comments

The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. – World Health Organization

There is no shame in taking care of your mental health. There is no shame in admitting you need help to take care of your mental health. There is no shame in talking to others about your mental health.

I recognize that in 2023 there is still a stigma when in comes to discussing mental health. I realize there is still a stigma when people talk about going to therapy. However, I am thankful that the stigma seems to be diminishing as each year passes. As it should, right?

It’s hard to talk about sensory difficulties without talking about anxiety. They go hand in hand and can feed off each other easily. Providing your children with the right tools to help them overcome any of their challenges as early as possible can make such a difference. Whether that is speech therapy, occupational therapy, talk therapy, play therapy, while also working with them at home, it can all change how you and your child communicate and get through the day to day.

As a mom, talking to another parent that may be reading this, please know that taking care of your mental health is so important. It’s great to have a support system around you and some are lucky to have that. Whether you do or you don’t, it’s ok to also ask for additional help. Talking to a therapist, meditation, and working on yourself can do wonders for your kids. If you are not regulated, they won’t be either. Being a parent is tough, add having a child with anxiety, sensory difficulties, health issues or any other challenges and being a parent just got tougher. Please take care of yourselves as well.

During World Mental Health Day, I wish for kindness and compassion for all of us. I wish for everyone to feel peace and happiness. For those that aren’t feeling that way, please know it’s ok to ask for help.

Helpful Links:

MentalHealth.org

MentalHealth.org.uk

Star Institute

Psychology Today

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days

On By justmymomsenseIn Sensory ResourcesLeave a comment

I have been taking some time today to search out prime deals on sensory toys and wanted to share them with you!

First up is this 70 pack of Sensory Toys! Amazon lists it as potential party favors as well, which is something I haven’t thought about before. I love to have an assortment of toys to put some in a bin at home, some in the car and some to carry around with me as well. You never know when or why one of them will come in handy! Click here to check them out!

Next we have a Busy Book for toddlers! This is great to practice colors, shapes and to learn how to buckle, tie and zip! Although this is intended for toddlers, it’s great to reintroduce each year, especially when school aged children are learning to tie shoes. Click here to check out the busy book!

Lastly, we have Light Up Pop It Game! Another great toy for on the go or at home! My kids love all things pop it: key chains, fidget toys and this game is no different! Click here to check out the Pop It Game!

Amazon Prime Big Day Deals are going on from October 10-October 11. However, I’m sure that Amazon will continue running great deals from now through the holidays!

The Importance of Play

On By justmymomsenseIn Parent Life, school2 Comments

If you’re a parent than you know that playing is one of the most important things children can do. There are so many benefits and it’s so beneficial to your child’s developement.

Once the school year begins and extracurricular activities ramp up, sometimes it’s hard to make time to just play. It’s easy to get caught up in the routine, the chores, going from one activity to the next, working and everything else parents have going on throughout their day.

It’s important to stop and play. Maybe not everyday, but as often as possible. We’re still at an age range where we can do playdates. We have friends we’ve made over the past couple of years that we can call to meet up with at a park, playground, library, bowling, or just hang at one of our houses. The kids are able to be in a comfortable place with some freedom and the ability to interact with each other. They’re able to learn from each other and work on communicating more effectively. The most important thing they’re able to do is have fun in a non-structured environment.

As parents, my husband and I also work to make sure we’re playing as a family. Sometimes we walk up to a nearby school and play Basketball, Box Ball, Wiffle Ball, help them across monkey bars, or just race each other across the field. I won’t tell you who normally wins those races…

Again, I know how much the daily grind can suck you in and you start to rely a little more on school for playing and socialization. However, doing those things outside of school is just as important. I try to be aware of it so that when I feel like it’s been a long week or a busy weekend where we were gogogo, I try to make sure we have that time to stop and play.

Added bonus: it’s just as beneficial to parents!

Want to learn more about the benefits of play? Check out some of these articles:

Why Playing Is So Effecting In Your Kids’ Developement

10 Things Every Parent Should Know About Play

Want Resilient and Well-Adjusted Kids? Let Them Play

Counting Down To Fall

On By justmymomsenseIn Sensory ResourcesLeave a comment

We’re less than 10 days away until Fall! It’s definitely a favorite time of year for me, but it’s not for everyone. For those with Sensory Processing difficulties, a change in seasons may affect them more than you think.

There are many factors that may play into why someone with SPD may not like this time of year:

  • Going from hotter temperatures to cooler temps and how that makes our bodies feel
  • Having to wear different type of clothing: going from shorts to pants may make someone feel uncomfortable and too covered up.
  • The sounds in the environment: leaves, wind, etc.
  • The smells of the environment

My son was so excited going from cooler temps to warm last year. He was so happy to be able to wear shorts and felt so “free,” as he put it. His entire mood changed, for the better, that first day he wore them to school.

Becky Lyddon and Sensory Spectacle are always so great about providing information regarding SPD. Becky has been kind enough to write guest blogs here in the past (check out the archives) and I was able to talk to her on an episode of the Magical Mommy Monday podcast. Below is a video she put together to explain further why someone with SPD may be affected by changes in weather:

How Does Sensory Processing Affect Sleep?

On By justmymomsenseIn Sensory ResourcesLeave a comment

Taken from The Out-Of-Sync Child:

Falling asleep, staying asleep and waking up may be problematic The child with SPD may need an unusually long afternoon nap, or she may never nap even if exhausted. Because a sleep disorder is often caused be a separation problem, she may want to sleep with her parents She may have trouble comforting herself to sleep, or may constantly awaken during the night.

Sleep problems may be associated with high need for movement. If the child has not had her quota of movement during the day, her arousal levels may fluctuate erratically, and she may become overaroused at night. Over- or underresponsitivity also may cause the child to feel uncomfortable in bed. The pajamas or sheets may feel scratchy. The pillowcase may not smell right, especially after its familiar, ripe scent has been washed out. The blankets may be too heavy or not heavy enough.

My son is 9 and we still struggle with locking in a good bedtime routine. We have a routine, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Both of my kids used to go to sleep at 5:00….yup 5! And some nights, I’ll still do that. When I put them to bed at 5, they fall right to sleep and will wake up at 6AM or after. Of course as they’ve gotten older, incorporating school and after school activities, 5:00 it a lot tougher. More often their bedtime is closer to 7. However, at this time, my 6 year old is typically overtired and my 9 year old will come out of the room a dozen times before settling. They’ll still wake up at 6AM or after.

They both wake up during the night, but my 9 year old tends to do it more. We try our best to make sure he’s had enough movement during the day and enough stimulation, without getting overstimulated. It’s an ongoing balancing act.

There are plenty of things you can try if you’re in a similar boat as us.

  • Warm baths
  • Plenty of Movement during the day
  • Limiting screen time closer to bedtime
  • Making sure they’re full from all their meals

However, as much as you try, you may also just be in it right along with us. If you are, know that you’re not alone!

I recommend reading The Out-Of-Sync Child as a resource for all things sensory processing. The book has been updated since I originally purchased it and I am linking the most recent version.

Click here to check out The Out-Of-Sync Child.

Just My MomSense is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program