By Yenny Disla-Toone
Winter touches us all…
The holidays are behind us and winter is officially here. As the frigid weather begins science says that touch of winter makes us behave differently. Similarly, our children are having the same experience, and for children with sensory processing issues this time can be extremely difficult. The limited outdoor time can rob children of the needed physical movement.
Children experience the world around them through their seven senses; and yes, I said seven and not five as many of us learned about in grade school. The seven senses are comprised of sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch, vestibular, and proprioception. The first five are more popularly discussed since their functions are more practical. When these senses are impacted, they create notable differences in children so they are easily identified.
While vestibular and proprioception senses are not popularly discussed, and less visibly identified; they are still greatly important in the development of a child.
The vestibular sense explains the perception of our body in relation to gravity, movement and balance. Examples of the vestibular sense is knowing that you are moving when you are in an elevator, or car and can affect being able to walk along a balance beam when compromised. The proprioception sense lets us know exactly where our body parts are, how we are positioned in space and how we plan our movements. Examples of this sense is being able to clap our hands together with our eyes closed, apply the correct pressure to an object such as a pencil or crayon, and how we move through a narrow space.
Children who have issues with these senses may appear uncoordinated, clumsy or afraid of certain physical activities. We all know the term “a bull in a china shop” but in essence these children may be in constant motion, bump into things or seem out of control. These children also struggle with wearing heavy coats, boots and gloves on days that we can enjoy the outdoors but need the added layer to be protected from the weather elements. Children with sensory issues struggle with the change of the seasons, and having to put on so many layers because they present balance and tactile challenges.
In the winter months early childhood programs think of creative ways to provide more movement activities indoors especially on frigid weather days to support all children but especially children that may have difficulty with these senses.
So how do we tackle these winter sensory hurdles, and how can families support us? We begin by giving them choices. Children who are presented with options generally tend to feel a part of the process and tend to give less push back. Try to have different options available that they can choose from; whether it be boots vs sneakers, hats vs earmuffs or gloves vs mittens; if they can choose which to wear it will create less of a power struggle.
Be selective of clothing choices. The simplest of tags can create high levels of frustration to a child with sensory delays. Purchase tag less clothing or remove tags whenever possible, choose lightweight coats, and footwear; and ensure they are user friendly with Velcro straps or zippers. Too many buttons or clips are difficult for any young child but they present an extreme challenge for children with sensory processing issues.
On days when getting outside is not an option, doing simple fun activities inside will help strengthen a child’s sensory development. Table top activities such as finding small objects in a large bucket of dried beans, or making kinetic sand and play doh are simple go to options that can awaken the senses in any child.
For movement rich activities try having children push or move weighted boxes, have fun carpet rides on sheets or towels, or have children walk/crawl over uneven surfaces like a row of pillows. Any jumping or movement activities can help with a simple case cabin fever or any severe case of the “sillies”.
These activities can create bonding moments, help diffuse common meltdowns and help children be excited about their indoor time while supporting sensory input. We can overcome winters touch of cold with simple fun activities that can touch our senses and warm our hearts.
