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You are here: Home / Archives for calming activities

Favorite Things Sensory Edition

May 29, 2017 by Amy Smith

Best sensory based therapy activities, products, and ideas for children from a pediatric occupational therapist

Favorite Things Sensory Edition As a pediatric occupational therapist, I am often asked to recommend equipment or activities that are the most beneficial for children. Because every … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Sensory Regulation, Therapist's Tips Tagged With: calming activities, sensory regulation

8 Best Kids Calming Ideas

April 28, 2017 by Amy Smith

Learn the 8 best Kids calming ideas! These 8 ways are sensory based and help calm kids down when they feel anxious or over active.

Wondering how to help kids calm down when they feel anxious or overly active?  Fortunately there are lots of  calming strategies that really do work, but the trick is knowing which ones … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Sensory Regulation Tagged With: calming activities, coping skills

Sensory Steam Roller

February 16, 2017 by Amy Smith

This DIY sensory steam roller is a convenient way to obtain sensory input to calm down. Can be done at home, school, or on the go. Find out how to make it here.

Sensory input is so vital to the emotional and behavioral regulation of kids and adults.  Think about big hugs, back massages, and shoulder rubs... all of these actions are relaxing … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Sensory Regulation, Therapist's Tips Tagged With: autism, calming activities, sensory

Calming Effects of Weighted Blankets

February 9, 2017 by Amy Smith

Discover the calming effects of weighted blankets and how weighted blankets can help kids with ADHD, autism, sensory problems, and anxiety.

Imagine how good it feels when you get a big hug or relaxing shoulder rub. Science shows that the input from deep touch releases dopamine and neurotransmitters throughout the body which … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Sensory Regulation Tagged With: autism, calming activities, weighted blankets

10 Ways to Calm Down Without Anyone Knowing

November 9, 2016 by Amy Smith

Learn calming tips to help kids relax while at school, without anyone else knowing and without the need for equipment or tools.

It's not easy being a kid in schools these days.  Things like high pressure testing, a fast-paced work curriculum,  trying to "fit in", and bullying are stressful issues that kids have … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Sensory Regulation Tagged With: calming activities, school

Calming Clothing for Kids

October 7, 2016 by Amy Smith

Find out how these pieces of clothing help to calm children's bodies and behaviors and where you can purchase them.

Kids Play Smarter is happy to partner with Calming Clothing for Kids for this sponsored post about clothing products that aides in calming kids behaviors by calming their … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Sensory Regulation Tagged With: calming activities, sensory regulation

Surviving amusement parks with sensory sensitive kids

May 25, 2016 by Amy Smith

Festivals and amusement parks can be so much fun and something all children should get to experience.  They are places for creating memories, being carefree, and feeling a rush of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Sensory Regulation, Therapist's Tips Tagged With: Amusement parks, calming activities, sensory regulation activities, traveling

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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