Calming the Environments: Improving Meltdowns

September 22, 2022

“Kids with sensory processing issues or other diagnoses such as Autism, ADHD, ODD, and SPD need targeted sensory input to be able to regulate emotions”. You nod your head in agreement while speaking with the provider’s suggestions, but when you get home, you’re lost! How do you give your child sensory input within the household to avoid meltdowns? How do you calm a sensory kiddo down more quickly after they’ve already had a meltdown? That is where I’m here to help!

It is important to provide proprioceptive input throughout your child’s day as part of the daily routine. The ability to sense body movement, position, and balance is proprioception. Proprioception is vital to brain function as it plays a major role in self-regulation, coordination, posture, and the ability to attend and focus. Planned proprioception throughout the day can improve emotional regulation with the overall goal of lessening meltdowns. Sensory-seeking kids will try to get more proprioceptive input. They might give people tight hugs or crash into things to feel the physical contact and pressure. Sensory avoiders will try to get away from those sensations. Here are some activities that use movement and resistance to provide sensory input:
• Jumping: trampolines, trampoline parks, gymnastics
• Household chores like vacuuming and carrying a full laundry basket
• Outdoor play: grounding and sunshine
• Make believe play such as pushing a heavy shopping cart or pushing a younger sibling (safely) in a stroller
• Assisting in cooking such as stirring and kneading bread
• Exercise that includes swimming, jumping jacks, bear crawls, somersaults, leapfrog
• Chewing crunchy snacks or bubble gum (Sometimes physical or occupational therapists will offer the child a “chewy ”)
• Carrying heavy bags or lifting heavy weights
• Weighted blankets or tight-fitting clothes
• A stress or squish ball can be a great way to release tension before bed

You can also create a sensory nook within your home for your child. The purpose of this cozy space is to allow your child an environment to regulate their emotions when he or she needs to take a break. When choosing a spot, make sure this is not in the same place as a time-out space. For example, if you send your child to their room for at time-out, this would not be an appropriate space. It can be as simple as a peaceful corner in the living room area, a hidden nook within the house (my kiddos like closets), or a cozy chair designated for them

When choosing items for your sensory nook, it is important that they are not overstimulating such as toys that light up and toys that make high pitched sounds. It is also important to choose age-appropriate toys. If you are working with an occupational or physical therapist, ask them for suggestions specific to your child’s needs. I would suggest two to three toys total, as a cluttered environment could also increase emotional dysregulation . This may be a topic next on the blog. Items to include in this area can be a weighted blanket, a favorite stuffed animal to snuggle, headphones or earphones, a favorite book, and/or a favorite fidget toy. Fidget toys are important because they allow your child to have something to do with their hands to release tension.

Counterintuitive, but physically take your child to the sensory nook after the tantrum . I understand parents often want to take away comforts after a meltdown rather than giving them out. However, your child’s brain is dysregulated in these moments. When they are in the midst of a meltdown, they cannot think logically or comprehend language well. They have difficulty with accessing problem solving skills. As you encourage your child to go to their sensory nook to calm down, utilize empathy and use few words. Once your child is calm, then you can follow up by teaching him or her the lesson that may be needed to learn.

Teaching your child how to utilize calming objects and the chosen cozy environment to decompress will help him or her learn self-regulation skills over time. Building regulation into your daily routine will lessen the frequency of meltdowns and tantrums over time. At play therapy, your child may practice calming strategies with the therapist and then be given “homework” to practice these same strategies at home daily.

Lasty and somewhat of a mom of four full disclosure: I understand that as a parent when our child is having a meltdown, you may want to lose “your sh*t” for lack of a better word. However, utilizing these techniques are a learning experience for both you and the child. I have confidence in you momma!!!