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You are here: Home / Sensory Regulation / Calming “Cookie Dough”

Calming “Cookie Dough”

April 4, 2016 by Amy Smith

You probably don’t associate the word “calming” with cookie dough, but after you try this activity, you will see why this “cookie dough” is very calming indeed.  This activity works because your child (the cookie dough) receives deep pressure and proprioceptive input from the “rolling pin” (the therapy ball).

This sensory activity calms kids and adults down when feeling anxious or hyperactive.  It is perfect for those with sensory issues, autism, SPD, anxiety disorders,ADHD, and ADD.

 

 

Deep pressure and proprioceptive  input elicit a calming response in the body because they can lower stress levels, reassure the body of its position in space, and facilitate the release of dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters responsible for mood and behavior regulation (Buckley-Reen & Dickson, 2015 and  research from Edelson, et al.).

This activity is very effective as a solo activity, and its also a perfect way to transition from high energy activities like running, jumping, climbing, etc.. and into calmer activities like doing homework, eating dinner, or getting ready for bed.

Materials Needed

Therapy ball

Bean bags (optional)

How to Play

1. Have your child lay on his belly on soft carpet or a mat

2. Tell your child that he is going to be “cookie dough” and that he can pick out the “ingredients” that he wants in his cookie dough

3. Put the ingredients into the cookie dough by lightly dropping weighted beanbags (or lightly pat the child’s back with your hands if you do not have beanbags) for approximately 1-2 minutes (or as tolerated) until all the “ingredients” are in the cookie dough

(*Note, this step provides additional proprioceptive input but some children may not tolerate the unexpected touch well.  If you child does not tolerate this step well, just skip it and complete the next step)

- bean bags

4. Finally roll the cookie dough out by applying pressure on top of the therapy ball and then slowly rolling down from the child’s back towards their feet.  Ask the child how the pressure feels as you are pressing down on the ball and adjust if the child asks for more or less.  It is important to start at the top of the child’s back, not on the child’s neck or head, and roll the ball downwards.

After you get to the child’s feet, pick the ball up off the child and repeat rather than rolling it up towards the child’s back again.  Roll the cookie dough out for 5-10 minutes or as tolerated.

 

DSCN5257 ball on back
Start with the ball on the child’s back

 

ball on feet
Then roll ball downwards towards child’s feet

 

When Should You Do This Activity?

This activity is great for so many different reasons, but especially for calming anxious nerves and settling down unorganized, overly active movement.  As mentioned above, its a perfect transition activity when moving from high energy work (i.e. running, jumping, climbing, etc..) into calmer activities like homework, class time, or bedtime.

It is also very beneficial to use if your child is going to be entering into a stressful situation (i.e. school, unfamiliar places, work, sporting events, crowded areas, etc..). Try this activity to help get their minds and bodies in a calmer, more organized state.  Since it is a great activity to do before bedtime, you can now allow your child to have “cookie dough” before they fall asleep!
Do you need the equipment? Try these Amazon links below…



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Related

Filed Under: Sensory Regulation, Therapist's Tips Tagged With: Calming activity, deep pressure, proprioception, sensory activities

Disclaimer

Kids Play Smarter is a blog about general ideas, theories, and concepts related to the field of occupational therapy and the growth and development of all children. The information presented on this blog is not intended to serve as or replace occupational therapy services for your child. The information on this blog is for entertainment, informational, and educational purposes only. This blog is not meant to replace formal professional consultation or evaluation from a qualified clinician. All children need to have the approval of a physician to participate in physical activities, including those described on this blog. In addition, children need to be supervised by a responsible adult at ALL times when completing activities that are illustrated and described on this blog. The author of this blog is NOT responsible or liable for any damage, injury, accident, illness, death, or adverse reaction due to participation in the activities described on the website.

Comments

  1. SG says

    May 12, 2016 at 5:18 pm

    This is great. Thank you for this idea. In some ways, it is reminiscent of qi gong therapy techniques, esp. with the step about patting the child’s back.

    Thank you for this great idea!

    • Amy SmithAmy Smith says

      May 12, 2016 at 6:29 pm

      Thanks for the feedback! I am unfamiliar with qi gong therapy but it sounds like there may be similar principles in both- very interesting!

  2. T says

    May 23, 2016 at 8:31 am

    This is wonderful! How do I know what weight ball to get for my 5yr old? Big sensory seeker. Thank you!

    • Amy SmithAmy Smith says

      May 23, 2016 at 6:01 pm

      Thank you! Yes, sensory seekers especially seem to love this activity! Do not use a weighted ball on this activity, rather use an inflatable therapy/ exercise ball. You provide the pressure by pushing down on the ball. Adjust the amount of pressure based on how much your child is asking for… let me know if you have further questions.

      • kate says

        September 27, 2020 at 12:13 pm

        What size ball?

  3. Julie says

    July 12, 2016 at 2:15 am

    What would you suggest to substitute ball, for travel/vacation where having a huge balance ball might be too big or will cause some property damage…
    Thanks

    • Amy SmithAmy Smith says

      July 12, 2016 at 2:47 am

      You could certainly use a smaller inflatable ball to replace the larger one for traveling. Also, a large, old wooden rolling pin would work too (it sounds a little crazy, but that would work too!) Great questions- thanks!

  4. cheryl green says

    August 11, 2016 at 9:04 am

    Hi, please can you explain why you only work down the back and not back up again.

    • Amy SmithAmy Smith says

      August 11, 2016 at 6:55 pm

      It’s more calming to apply the pressure downwards versus upwards (which elicts a more alarming response)- Great question!

  5. Amanda says

    September 29, 2016 at 7:16 pm

    This could probably work with a foam roller as well. Thank you. I will give this a try!

    • Amy SmithAmy Smith says

      October 1, 2016 at 12:54 am

      Yes absolutely! Thanks for reading!

  6. تحميل مهرجانات says

    May 22, 2017 at 3:16 am

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    • Amy SmithAmy Smith says

      May 30, 2017 at 2:11 pm

      Thank you!

  7. Marina says

    August 19, 2017 at 11:44 am

    Me encantaría que todas estas enseñanzas
    Fueran en español y todos los enlaces soy
    Abuela y me gustaría aprender todas esas cosas gracias espero respuesta
    Saluda atte.

    • Amy SmithAmy Smith says

      August 24, 2017 at 1:53 am

      Thank you Marina!

    • Amy SmithAmy Smith says

      August 27, 2017 at 1:11 pm

      Thanks for your reply! Gracias!!

  8. katie says

    October 10, 2017 at 1:12 am

    Hey, I love this idea and have been using it with a little sensory seeker that I work with. He is extremely active (running through the halls, bouncing, jumping, etc) and he loves having cookie dough time, but the activity seems to overexcite him rather than regulate him. Once we’ve completed cookie dough time, he asks for it again and again and becomes more active, bouncing on the yoga ball, or falling on top of the bean bag we use. Any suggestions as to how to change this to make it more calming? or why this may be over-exciting him?

  9. Sammy says

    December 28, 2017 at 8:57 am

    Hi, what age can you start using this into bed time routine. My DD will be turning 2. Thank you

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  12. Mirriam says

    January 6, 2020 at 3:41 pm

    Hi I have a kid is very activity and constantly moving. How can I help him slow down and be able to sit and play with others normally.

  13. Wendy Harder says

    January 10, 2020 at 4:55 pm

    Thank you for your post. I have a 3 yr old niece and nephew whose dad will be deploying soon. I’m putting together a box of calm down supplies to help. I think this will be a great addition!

  14. Amy SmithAmy Smith says

    April 29, 2017 at 1:49 pm

    If you find this happening, try the cookie dough activity during an earlier part of the day so its not as “new and exciting” and then build the activity into the night time routine. Once kids know what to expect, they will find it comforting and relaxing. Thanks for reading!

Welcome to Kids Play Smarter

Amy Smith I am an occupational therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children. I created this website to offer parents, teachers, and therapists FREE ideas, strategies, and activities that they can do with their children to improve their fine and gross motor skills, handwriting, academic learning, and regulate their sensory system all while "playing" (just playing smarter)! Read More…

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