Stress relief is an essential survival skill for not only adults but children as well. However, asking a small child to take deep breaths while lying on the floor may not be as effective as it is for you due to where they are at in their development.
Luckily, sensory play, which involves engaging your child’s senses in various ways, is a powerful tool to enhance development and well-being and relieve stress in a way that is comfortable and enjoyable to them. This article explores the benefits of sensory play, particularly in alleviating stress, and we included some insight from Holly Goritz, MSW, a school counselor specializing in sensory processing.
Understanding Sensory Play
Sensory play involves activities stimulating a child's senses, such as sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. This type of play is essential for young children as it helps them understand the world around them and develop crucial cognitive skills.
According to Holly, "Sensory play is a way for children to be in charge and explore problem-solving in an open-ended, no 'wrong' answer environment." This exploration is enjoyable and vital for building self-esteem and confidence as children learn to navigate and respond to various sensory inputs.
The science behind sensory play lies in its impact on the brain. Engaging in sensory activities helps create neural pathways essential for learning and memory. This process is especially important in the early years when the brain is most receptive to new information and experiences. Sensory play also supports the development of fine motor skills, language, and social interaction, making it a comprehensive approach to early childhood development.
The Connection Between Sensory Play & Stress Relief
Sensory play is a powerful tool for stress relief in children. It provides a calming effect by helping children focus on specific sensory inputs, diverting their attention from stressors. The repetitive nature of many sensory activities, such as squishing playdough or watching glitter settle in a sensory bottle, can be soothing and help regulate emotions.
Holly Goritz emphasizes the role of sensory play in emotional regulation, stating, "Sensory play is a way to build awareness and connections around physical sensations and emotions. It also offers children a way to start building their toolkit for regulating emotions without any outside aids—like a phone or a tablet."
Through sensory play, children learn to recognize and manage their feelings, such as frustration or nervousness, and develop healthy coping mechanisms, like deep breaths or tight squeezes, to release these emotions.
Examples of Calming Sensory Activities
There are so many options when it comes to sensory play, but some of our favorite activities include:
Sensory Bins
Sensory bins filled with different textures, such as rice, beans, or sand, provide a rich tactile experience. To create a sensory bin, fill a container with your chosen material and add small toys or tools for scooping and sifting.
Encourage your child to explore these textures by pouring, scooping, and digging, which can help focus their attention and calm their mind. Parents can guide their children to notice the different textures and talk about how they feel, which can help children express their emotions and relax.
Water Play
Water play can be incredibly calming. To do this activity, set up a water table or simply use a large bowl with water beads or floating toys. Encourage children to pour water between containers or play with water beads, which have a unique, squishy texture.
The sensation of water and the gentle, repetitive motions can help children relax and reduce stress. Parents can enhance this experience by playing soothing music or creating a quiet, peaceful environment to help the child focus on the water's calming effects.
Playdough & Clay
Molding, squishing, and shaping playdough or clay is a hands-on activity that engages the sense of touch and encourages creativity. Use scented playdough infused with calming scents like lavender to make this activity even more calming.
The tactile stimulation from manipulating these materials is often very soothing, helping children release built-up tension. Parents can join the activity, modeling slow and deliberate movements, encouraging their child to do the same, and promoting a relaxed and mindful approach.
Sensory Bottles
Creating sensory bottles is a fun and calming activity. Fill a clear bottle with water, glitter, beads, or small toys, and seal it tightly. When shaken, the contents move around and eventually settle, which can be mesmerizing.
The slow movement of the items inside the bottle helps children calm down and focus their thoughts, making it an excellent tool for emotional regulation. Parents can use sensory bottles during quiet time or before bed to help their children unwind and relax.
Nature-Based Activities
Collecting and playing with natural elements like leaves, flowers, and pebbles offers a sensory-rich experience that connects children with the natural world. Create a nature box or tray and encourage your child to explore and arrange the items.
This type of play provides varied sensory inputs and promotes mindfulness and a sense of calm through a connection with nature. Parents can guide their children to observe the different textures, colors, and smells, fostering a peaceful and reflective experience.
Aroma Play
Incorporating calming scents into play activities enhances the sensory experience. You can create scented playdough, use essential oils in a diffuser, or even make scented rice for sensory bins.
Scents like lavender and chamomile are known for their calming effects and can help create a relaxing atmosphere during play, aiding in stress relief. Parents can introduce these scents during times of stress or before bedtime to help soothe and calm their child.
Facilitating Sensory Play at Home
Creating a sensory-friendly environment at home is key to facilitating regular sensory play. Parents can set up a dedicated space with various sensory materials and tools. Establishing a sensory play schedule or routine is also helpful, as it encourages children to engage in sensory activities regularly.
Holly Goritz highlights the importance of consistency, noting that "regular sensory play can help children develop a routine that includes built-in stress relief."
Personalizing Sensory Play for Your Child
Every child has unique sensory preferences and needs. Parents should take the time to observe their child's reactions to different sensory activities to determine what works best for them.
Tailoring activities to suit individual needs, such as adjusting the intensity of sensory input or selecting specific materials, ensures that sensory play is both enjoyable and effective in promoting relaxation and stress relief.
Parental Involvement in Sensory Play
Parents play an essential role in facilitating and participating in sensory play. Engaging in these activities together strengthens the parent-child bond and provides opportunities for parents to support their child's emotional development. It also encourages independence while providing support to help children feel secure and confident in exploring their sensory world.
Start Reducing Your Child’s Stress Today!
Sensory play offers numerous benefits for stress relief and overall development in children. By integrating sensory play into daily routines, parents can provide their children valuable tools for managing emotions and reducing stress.
Exploring and embracing sensory play can be a transformative experience for children and parents and an effective way to promote calmness and well-being.
For those looking to explore sensory play further, visit Meemzy Magic for various sensory play resources and products designed to support children's sensory needs and promote relaxation.