In honor of Sensory Processing Awareness Month, I just purchased some sensory toys to give away!
I’m packing up one goodie bag to send out! Here’s how you can enter to win:
* Follow @justmymomsense on Instagram
* Comment: Sensory Play!
* Tag a friend who may be interested!
I’ll be choosing a winner on Monday, October 16th!
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!
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:
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:
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.
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
Taken from: The Out-Of-Sync Child:
The child may have difficulty modulating (adjusting) his mood. He may be unable to “rev up,” or to calm down once aroused. He may become fussy easily. He may have difficulty with self-comforting after being hurt or upset Delaying gratification and tolerating transitions from one activity to another may be hard. The child may perform unevenly: “with it” one day, “out of it” the next.
Self regulation can be extremely difficult for someone with sensory processing difficulties. As a parent, I have also learned how important it is for us to stay regulated when a child is feeling dysregulated. There are a variety of things you can do to help your child during this time:
You know your child best and what gets them back to a place of feeling comfortable. 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.
I would also recommend listening to the Living a Sensory Life Podcast, where Becky Lyddon discusses self regulation and sensory characteristics.
Click here to check out The Out-Of-Sync Child.
Just My MomSense is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program
I couldn’t choose just one link to share from the Star Institute’s page of Resources, Tips & Downloadable Flyers! There are so many amazing resources, so I wanted to share them all!
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, although I have no affiliation to the Star Institute, I wanted to take some time to share some of their amazing resources. Be sure to click here to check out their website!
Today I wanted to direct to you to their podcast: Making Sense! Click here to learn more and listen to previous episodes!
I have no affiliation with the Star Institute but I wanted to take the next few days to share some of their amazing resources. Please be sure to visit their website by clicking here to see all they have to offer!
Let’s start with: What is Sensory Health?
I recently purchased Poppy and the Overactive Amygdala to have as a source of reference for my kids.
However, for today, I want to chat about reading it on your own, as a parent.
Description from the back of the book:
Many kids suffer from an overactive “Fight or Flight” response, which can affect them in all areas of their lives. Follow Poppy as she explains some of her struggles with anxiety, anger, and friendships as a kid with an overactive amygdala. This book was created to help build understanding and empathy for children with a wide range of mental health challenges. This type of behavior can be seen in many children, including but not limited to those kids with DMDD, ADHD, ODD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, PANS/PANDAS, RAD, Autism disorders, PTSD, IED, and Conduct disorder, among others. While many of the children struggle with comprehension of their disorder, they all have one important factor in common. They did not choose this. As adults, we have a responsibility to build understanding, encourage empathy, and continue to grow our own set of skills and knowledge in order to best serve our most vulnerable population: Children.
Both of my kids have anxiety and one has confirmed sensory processing difficulties. Here is what I already know: going through everyday activities that we all take for granted, can be really tough for someone with sensory processing difficulties and anxiety. Here is what I need to be reminded of: going through everyday activities that we all take for granted, can be really tough for someone with sensory processing difficulties and anxiety. I try my best to continue to educate myself, to listen to podcasts, read books or social media and watch videos, all in an effort to make sure I’m doing everything I possibly can to make things just a little easier. But, I am also human. I have good days and bad. I’m always juggling all the things in life. And sometimes, I start to take the day to day for granted and slip back into needing a reminder.
This book is a good reminder. A reminder of the emotional storm that can happen quickly and easily inside a child. It talks about the ups and downs, the negative thoughts they experience and what adults can do to help them through it.
If you’re like me and aren’t always perfect, I recommend you read through Poppy and the Overactive Amygdala, on your own, thinking of your child going through the things that are described. It may be just the reminder you need to get yourself back into the routine.
I have links to this book and a few others on my “A Few of My Favorite Things” page which you can access by clicking here.
Just My MomSense is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program
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