Many of you are familiar with the notion of using our five sense – sight, touch, hearing, smell, taste - to become grounded when feeling dysregulated, and how to support children with this, or anyone experiencing a moment of anxiety. There is an invitation to name 5 things you can see, feel 4 things you can touch, listen and name 3 things you can hear, notice 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste. Many of you are also familiar with fidget toys to support children in staying regulated. Some of these can be used for grounding too, as they are sensory and use touch, some make noise too, and some have bright colours that are visually appealing. Another approach we recommend with aiding regulation is the provision of a grounding box. A container that will provide sensory tools to support children, and you, when you begin to notice signs of dysregulation: heightened behaviour, increased heart rate, loud voice, restlessness, shallow breaths and redness in the face for example. Here are some ideas of what you can put in this box:
· A kaleidoscope provides a great visual experience. A sand timer does too and can be very calming, helping to invite focus on the breath.
· Bits of fabric of different textures, you can sew them into a tiny blanket, ribbons, pipe cleaners, feathers, pompoms all invite touch. Some papers have different textures and make sound when scrunched which some children will like.
· Magic sand, plasticine, play dough, stress balls also invite touch with a more involved interaction.
· Old fashioned wooden toys are not as bright as more modern plastic fidget toys, which can create a more calming visual experience, and also provide an opportunity to keep hands busy and be focused on something.
· A small sketchbook and a few crayons might appeal to some. Just circling repeatedly will promote grounding, and make a little noise too to focus on.
· Chimes, bells, Chinese balls also give a multi-sensory experience with sound.
· Room spray, small recipients with cotton wool with a few drops of essential oils on them are good for smell. You can use different categories of oils: calming, comforting and relaxing as well as stimulating and energising.
· Bach rescue remedy have pastilles suitable for children, but you could have chewy sweets or even chewing gum as having to chew helps to slow down the breath.
· Different flavours lip balm can help with having something to taste in the box.
· Bubbles to blow are also great for regulating the breath.
You can keep building up your box by adding to it. All you need is to start with items that will stimulate all 5 senses. Have it somewhere accessible so the invitation to use it is clear, and yet it is also protected from items becoming everyday play items. There needs to be a shared understanding that this is not a box of toys. It is rather a bit of a magical box to explore when emotions are becoming too overwhelming.
Enjoy putting your box together. Our next ‘stuff and info’ post will say a bit more about how to use your box with your child.
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