Helping Trauma-Affected Kids: Emotional Regulation Through Sensory Activities

Discover emotional regulation through sensory fun!

Understanding Trauma and Emotional Regulation

Children who have experienced trauma often struggle with big emotions. Traumatic experiences can turn the dial up on their emotions, leading to outbursts or, sometimes, a full emotional shutdown. Any parent to a child who has experienced foster care can testify - sometimes those big emotions feel like a rollercoaster!

All children who have experienced foster care have experienced trauma to some extent, whether it was  physical abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, or simply being removed from their family of origin. These experiences can overwhelm a child's nervous system and disrupt their sense of safety and security. As a result, they may have difficulty regulating their emotions, leading to heightened reactivity, impulsivity, or emotional numbing.

Here's the good news: there are simple ways you can help kids calm their nervous system and help them avoid those wild swings of emotions.

There are many ways to help kids with emotional regulation, but let's look at what may be the most fun: sensory activities!

The Benefits of sensory activities

Sensory activities have a slew of benefits on emotional regulation (even for adults!). Here are just a few of the ways sensory activities can benefit children and teens who have experienced trauma:

1. They Calm the Nervous System:

   Sensory activities help regulate the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) branches of the autonomic nervous system. Sensory activities involving touch or deep pressure (such as weighted blankets) are especially effective at engaging the parasympathetic nervous system which creates feelings of relaxation and lowers energy levels. This regulation is essential for managing stress responses and promoting a sense of calm.
   
   

2. They Provide Grounding and Anchoring:

   Sensory activities provide a tangible and immediate way for children to ground themselves in the present moment. Touching, feeling, and interacting with different textures can serve as an anchor, helping children connect with their physical surroundings and reduce feelings of dissociation or anxiety.
   
   

3. They Aid in Emotional Expression and Release:

   Engaging in sensory activities offers children a non-verbal outlet for expressing and releasing pent-up emotions. For example, squeezing a stress ball or manipulating kinetic sand allows them to physically release tension and frustration, promoting emotional release in a controlled and safe manner.
   
   

4. They Promote Body Awareness:

   Sensory activities enhance body awareness, helping children become more attuned to their physical sensations. They also involve the integration of different senses, such as touch, sight, and proprioception. This multisensory input is beneficial for developing neural connections in the brain, contributing to improved sensory processing and emotional regulation. As children develop body awareness it allows them to recognize signs of stress or emotional distress early on, empowering them to implement self-regulation strategies before emotions escalate.
   
   

Ideas for sensory activities

Now, here's the fun part – getting your kids in on the sensory action! Tailor these sensory activities based on their age, and don't be afraid to throw in some creative twists:

Ages 1-4:

Sensory Bins: Fill a shallow container with materials like rice, beans, or sand. Add small toys or objects for the child to discover by touch.

Finger Painting: Allow toddlers to explore different textures and colors by finger painting. Use edible paints for safety.

Playdough Play: Provide soft, moldable playdough for squishing, rolling, and shaping. Introduce various textures or scents for added sensory input.

Water Play: Offer water play with different-sized containers, cups, and bath toys. Add bubbles or bath crayons for extra sensory engagement.

Sensory Books: Choose books with textured pages or lift-the-flap features to engage multiple senses during reading time.

Ages 5-10:

Sensory Obstacle Course: Set up an obstacle course with various stations that involve activities like crawling under tables, jumping on cushions, or balancing on a line.

DIY Stress Balls: Allow children to create their own stress balls using balloons filled with materials like rice, flour, or playdough.

Scented Art: Introduce scented markers or scented paint for art projects, stimulating both the visual and olfactory senses.

Sensory Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt with items of different textures hidden around the house or outdoors for children to find by touch.

Kinetic Sand: Provide kinetic sand for molding and shaping. Its unique texture offers a satisfying sensory experience.

Ages 11-17:

DIY Slime: Engage older children in making their own slime using ingredients like glue, borax, or contact lens solution, providing a tactile and creative experience.

Sensory Fidget Tools: Introduce fidget tools like stress balls, textured rings, or putty, which can be discreetly used to manage stress and anxiety.

Calming Jar: Create a calming jar with glitter and water. Watching the slow descent of glitter can be a meditative and calming activity.

Aromatherapy: Use essential oils or scented diffusers to introduce aromatherapy. Scents like lavender or chamomile can promote relaxation.

Therapy Putty: Provide therapy putty in varying resistance levels for hand strengthening and sensory stimulation.

Remember to consider individual preferences, sensitivities, and developmental stages when introducing sensory activities. It's important to supervise young children during these activities to ensure a safe and positive experience. Older children may appreciate being involved in the planning and selection of sensory activities that cater to their specific interests and needs.

Conclusion

Emotional regulation is a key aspect of supporting trauma-affected kids. By understanding trauma and its impact on emotional regulation and how sensory activities can help build effective regulation in their kids, you can provide valuable support to help children heal and thrive.