ing a huge difference in their sensory play success. Make sure your child is old enough to not swallow small pieces or select items that do not pose a swallowing or choking risk.
Finger painting: Many children enjoy this messy activity. If it is not a favorite, encourage your child to use one finger at a time or provide something small they can dip in the paint (such as a Q-tip or ½” pieces of a cut-up sponge) so they get used to being close to the texture. For a different tactile experience, mix a grainy material like sand into the paint or get creative with a blob of shaving cream or chocolate pudding. For a cold sensory experience, freeze finger paints in an ice cube try and let your child slide the frozen cubes around the paper!
Water play: Fill the kitchen sink or a large tub with sudsy water and a variety of unbreakable pitchers, bottles, turkey basters, etc. Pouring and measuring provide sensory input to the hands and are excellent for developing the tactile system. Be sure to watch children closely when they are near water. Even a bucket of water can pose a drowning risk.
Note: If your child’s sensory difficulties are affecting their ability to make it through normal routines on a daily basis, it may be time to seek help. An evaluation by a pediatric occupational therapist can determine if there are sensory treatment strategies that can be used to help your child engage successfully with the world.
This article is part of a CHoR series on developmental play activities. If you are interested in future articles on this topic, sign up for Tid*Bits, CHoR’s free family newsletter.