Tag: sensory items

Supporting Sensory Needs with Everyday Tools

On By justmymomsenseIn Sensory Processing Awareness, Sensory Resources1 Comment

With October being Sensory Processing Awareness Month, it’s a great time to talk about how our nervous systems process the world around us. Some children (and adults) seek more sensory input, while others avoid it and often, kids can show a mix of both depending on the situation.

Understanding the difference can make daily life feel smoother, and having the right tools on hand can transform overwhelm into comfort.

Sensory Seekers and Avoiders: Two Sides of the Same Coin

  • Sensory Seekers crave input. They might spin, jump, chew, or touch everything around them because their nervous system wants more.
  • Sensory Avoiders are easily overwhelmed by input. Tags in clothes, sudden noises, or bright lights can feel like “too much,” leading them to pull away, cover ears, or resist.

It’s important to remember that these aren’t opposites that cancel each other out. A child can be a seeker in one area (loving spinning and swinging) and an avoider in another (hating sticky or itchy textures).

Having the right resources at home, in the classroom, or even in the car can help kids feel grounded and safe. Some examples:

  • For sensory seekers: weighted balls, chewable jewelry, swings, trampolines, or fidget tools.
  • For sensory avoiders: soft tag-free clothing, noise-reducing headphones, blackout curtains, or cozy calming corners.
  • For both: books that explain sensory differences, flexible seating options, or tools that can be adapted depending on your child’s comfort level.

I’ve been keeping a list of items we have used (or similar). You can explore them all on my Favorite Things page. Whether you’re parenting a seeker, an avoider, or a little bit of both, this list is designed to help you find what works best for your family.

Sensory needs don’t disappear with age, they evolve. The more we learn, the better we can support our kids (and even ourselves) with patience, empathy, and the right resources. If you’re just beginning this journey, know you don’t have to figure it all out alone and simple tools can make a big difference.

Bag ‘O Fun

On By justmymomsenseIn Uncategorized4 Comments

As I mentioned in my last blog, “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” we took a trip to Pittsburgh two weeks ago for Spring Break. We’re lucky and thankful that our kids are great on car trips, as long as plenty of snacks and activities are packed. They normally make it to the final hour or two before they need the iPhones.

Although having activities and snacks comes with dropping activities and snack which results in me turning around to get them most of the trip. But it’s a small price to pay for having them locked in seats for 7 hours.

The times the car rides become less fun is when ‘J’s’ sister (‘Baby J’) becomes unhappy because that is an automatic trigger for him. This was one of my earliest red flags of thinking this was all more than just empathy. The result is screaming and crying long after ‘Baby J’ is done whining or crying.

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Along with checking out the Mister Rogers exhibit at the Heinz History Center, we also stopped by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. If you haven’t been there, I recommend it. It’s huge and there’s so much to see and do!

Since it’s so big and it was a Saturday, there was a big crowd. ‘J’ was definitely overwhelmed. He wasn’t unhappy just unsettled. He didn’t stay in one place too long, didn’t go over to exhibits if there were too many people around it and was extra clingy. Luckily they have a great art area with painting and clay. This was a much quieter space and we spent most of our time in this spot.

I was talking to ‘J’s’ Occupational Therapist after our trip about his triggers and she suggested having a backpack with some items they may help calm him in these situations. At home, he’s good about going to his room to reset himself if he’s feeling overwhelmed. When we’re out in public or he’s locked into a car seat, it’s not as easy. Luckily we have quite a few backpacks on hand and I’ve since put one together with his headphones, sensory bottle, his squishy fidget dinosaur, small toys and his water bottle. We brought the headphones on our last plane ride and for some reason I didn’t think to bring them on the car trip. They definitely would’ve been helpful for when ‘Baby J’ was upset.

She also mentioned carrying the backpack may help him since weighted items can provide comfort. We’ve already tried this on shorter car rides (30+ minutes) and so far it has come in handy.

I’m willing to try any and everything that will provide him any comfort or organization for his mind and body. Not all will work, but through trial and error, I know we’ll find the best combination of sensory items and activities.