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Sharla Kostelyk

Sensory Busy Bags For Kids

These sensory busy bags will enhance your child's learning and allow them to have fun in the process #sensoryplay #sensory #busybags #kidsactivities

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Busy bags are wonderful for times when kids need a quiet activity. They are great for reinforcing learning concepts. These sensory busy bags for kids are perfect for both of those things.

These sensory busy bags will enhance your child's learning and allow them to have fun in the process #sensoryplay #sensory #busybags #kidsactivities

Busy Bags

While all busy bags have some degree of sensory input to them, I’ve put together a list of those that offer really good sensory feedback.

When you incorporate more senses into learning, kids are more able to retain the concepts. Engaging sensory systems other than just the visual system helps both in memory and retention and in having a child’s sensory needs met.

These sensory busy bags can be used during quiet time with toddlers and preschoolers, in waiting rooms, on road trips, for church or while mom is busy making supper or helping other kids.  Busy bags help to teach independence too.  As an added bonus, many of these busy bag ideas below are excellent for fine motor practise.

By combining sensory elements into a busy bag, you can provide a rich learning opportunity for your child.

When making a busy bag, consider adding additional textures, sounds, or smells to enrich the experience. This doesn’t have to be complicated to do. Simply adding a drop of vanilla to a busy bag with felt cupcakes would increase the sensory experience.

Our Sensory Busy Bag Ideas:

Texture Cards (tactile, visual)

Simple String Busy Bag (proprioception, visual, tactile)

Smell Bottles (olfactory)

Simple Sewing Busy Bag (tactile, visual, proprioception)

Counting Busy Bag for Math Skills (tactile, proprioception)

I-Spy bag (visual, tactile)

Simple Scooping Busy Bag (visual, tactile)

Busy Bags with Pipe Cleaners (visual, tactile, auditory, proprioception)

Beading Busy Bag (proprioception, visual, tactile)

Colours and Fine Motor Busy Bag (tactile, visual)

Lacing Cards (tactile, visual)

7 Busy Bags for Teaching Colours (visual, proprioception, tactile)

Colour Mixing Sensory Bags (visual, proprioception, tactile)

More Busy Bags:

Here are some other sensory rich busy bags that you can create. Kids will love these!

Nuts and Bolts Busy Bag from Teaching Mama

Textured Pattern Craft Sticks at Growing Hands on Kids

Sponge Tower from Toddler Approved

Solar System I-Spy Busy Bag from Research Parent

Self-Care and Morning Routine Busy Bag at Lalymom

Felt Emoji Busy Bag from Views for a Step Stool

Build a Minion Busy Bag from Happy Brown House

Fun Food Play Dough Mats from Picklebums

Tic Tac Toe on Simple Play Ideas

Color Match Game from Glued to my Crafts

Jelly Beans Busy Bag from Teach Me Mommy

Acorn Math on Toddler Approved

Practical Life Button Turkey from Natural Beach Living

Felt Sandwich Busy Bag from Glued to my Crafts

Beautiful Bugs Playdough Mats over on Picklebums

Bug I-Spy Busy Bag from Views from a Step Stool

Calming Busy Bag on Lemon Lime Adventures

Join us for a five day email series on Sensory Activities and Solutions and get a free sample of our Sensory Play Recipes eBook.

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Filed Under: Busy Bags, Sensory

Mardi Gras Slime

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I should probably admit that I’ve never actually been to New Orleans, so Mardi Gras isn’t something I’ve personally experienced, but that’s no reason I can’t bring the party to my house. This Mardi Gras Slime brings the party to sensory play.

Mardi Gras Slime #slimerecipes #slime #sensoryplay #sensoryactivitiesMardi Gras Slime Recipe:

  • 5 oz. bottle of Elmer’s clear school glue
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 Tbsp. contact solution
  • grey acrylic paint
  • purple, green, and gold confetti
  • optional: Mardi Gras beads for playing

Instructions:

  1. Pour the whole 5 oz. bottle of clear glue into a small mixing bowl.
  2. Add in ½ cup of warm water and stir.
  3. Mix in the baking soda.
  4. Drop in a few drops of grey acrylic paint. Stir. If desired colour isn’t achieved, you can add in another drop or two.
  5. Add 1 Tbsp. contact solution to the mixture. It will begin to form instantly. At this point, it will be quite sticky. Don’t worry! Continue to mix the contact solution in the bowl until it starts to pull away from the sides and form.
  6. Knead the slime until it is no longer sticky.
  7. Add the confetti and mix in.
  8. Store the Mardi Gras slime in an airtight container.

You can set this slime out with Mardi Gras beads. This will provide another element for sensory input in the play. The stretchy slime will contrast against the hard beads, offering a great tactile experience.

Kids will enjoy playing with this and watching the confetti mix in. The contrast of colours is really quite striking!

Slime can be part of a sensory diet. It offers visual, tactile, and proprioceptive sensory input. 

Find other sensory play recipes including slimes by grabbing a free sample of our Sensory Play Recipes eBook. Simple enter your email below and you’ll be set!

Check out some of our other slime recipes:

Rainbow Confetti Party Slime Minnie Mouse Slime 

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Filed Under: Sensory Tagged With: sensory play, slime

Must Have Sensory Processing Books for Kids

These must have sensory processing books for kids include titles not only for kids with sensory challenges, but for their siblings and classmates as well. #sensoryprocessing #sensoryprocessingdisorder #spd #booksforkids

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With words like “vestibular”, “proprioception”, and “interoception”, sensory processing can be difficult to understand even for adults. It can be difficult to introduce the concepts to kids. Books are a great way to begin the conversation. These must have sensory processing books for kids include titles not only for kids with sensory challenges, but for their siblings and classmates as well.

These must have sensory processing books for kids include titles not only for kids with sensory challenges, but for their siblings and classmates as well. #sensoryprocessing #sensoryprocessingdisorder #spd #booksforkidsBy involving the siblings and classmates of kids with Sensory Processing Disorder in the learning, they will they be better able to understand and support the child with SPD. Feeling understood goes a long way.

Kids need to develop an understanding of sensory processing. They also need to learn to recognize their own sensory signals. For a child with Sensory Processing Disorder, this is even more important. Books are a wonderful tool for parents and teachers to use.

 

Must Have Sensory Processing Books for Kids:

My Sensory Self Workbook for Kids: Helps Kids Learn the 8 Sensory Systems and Discover Their Unique Sensory PreferencesMy Sensory Self Workbook for Kids: Helps Kids Learn the 8 Sensory Systems and Discover Their Unique Sensory PreferencesBuy NowWhy Does Izzy Cover Her Ears? Dealing with Sensory OverloadWhy Does Izzy Cover Her Ears? Dealing with Sensory OverloadWhy Does Izzy Cover Her Ears? Dealing with Sensory OverloadEllie Bean the Drama QueenEllie Bean the Drama QueenEllie Bean the Drama QueenArnie and His School Tools: Simple Sensory Solutions That Build SuccessArnie and His School Tools: Simple Sensory Solutions That Build SuccessArnie and His School Tools: Simple Sensory Solutions That Build SuccessSquirmy Wormy: How I Learned to Help MyselfSquirmy Wormy: How I Learned to Help MyselfSquirmy Wormy: How I Learned to Help MyselfSensitive Sam: Sam's Sensory Adventure Has a Happy Ending!Sensitive Sam: Sam’s Sensory Adventure Has a Happy Ending!Sensitive Sam: Sam's Sensory Adventure Has a Happy Ending!Max and Me: A Story About Sensory ProcessingMax and Me: A Story About Sensory ProcessingMax and Me: A Story About Sensory ProcessingPickysaurus MacPickysaurus MacPickysaurus MacDon't Rush Me: For Siblings of Children with Sensory Processing DisorderDon’t Rush Me: For Siblings of Children with Sensory Processing DisorderDon't Rush Me: For Siblings of Children with Sensory Processing Disorder

There are a few on this list that I would like to go into a bit more detail about.

My Sensory Self Workbook for Kids was born out of a wish. With five of my kids having Sensory Processing Disorder, I had always wished that a resource existed that would have helped me teach them about sensory processing. I wanted something that not only taught them the terminology in a fun way, but also helped them discover their own sensory preferences.

I teamed up with my friend Heather who is an OTA so that we could pair her professional experience with my real world experience. We created the workbook especially for kids. Even kids who don’t have SPD have sensory preferences (as we all do). This workbook is a great teaching tool. Help take the mystery out of sensory processing.

Squirmy Wormy has some sensory strategies interspersed throughout the story, which I quite like.

Arnie and His School Tools is a good book for teachers to read to the classroom. The story explains why some kids may need to use sensory tools in the school. It can also help kids with SPD feel less self-conscious about the tools they use.

Don’t Rush Me! is specifically written for siblings of kids with SPD. This is a much needed area to be addressed. Siblings are affected and may not have the vocabulary to ask questions or express their feelings about it. This book can be a starting point for that.

Pickysaurus Mac is a cute story for kids who are picky eaters due to sensory issues.

Sensory Processing Books for Older Kids:

The Superkids Activity Guide: Awesome Games and Crafts to Master Your Moods, Boost Focus, Hack Mealtimes and Help Grownups Understand Why You Do the Things You DoThe Superkids Activity Guide: Awesome Games and Crafts to Master Your Moods, Boost Focus, Hack Mealtimes and Help Grownups Understand Why You Do the Things You DoThe Superkids Activity Guide: Awesome Games and Crafts to Master Your Moods, Boost Focus, Hack Mealtimes and Help Grownups Understand Why You Do the Things You DoThe Goodenoughs Get in Sync: 5 Family Members Overcome their Special Sensory IssuesThe Goodenoughs Get in Sync: 5 Family Members Overcome their Special Sensory IssuesThe Goodenoughs Get in Sync: 5 Family Members Overcome their Special Sensory IssuesLearn to Have Fun with Your Senses: The Sensory Avoider's Survival GuideLearn to Have Fun with Your Senses: The Sensory Avoider’s Survival GuideLearn to Have Fun with Your Senses: The Sensory Avoider's Survival GuideWhen My Worries Get Too Big!: A Relaxation Book for Children Who Live with AnxietyWhen My Worries Get Too Big!: A Relaxation Book for Children Who Live with AnxietyWhen My Worries Get Too Big!: A Relaxation Book for Children Who Live with AnxietyThis is Gabriel: Making Sense of School: A Book about Sensory Processing DisorderThis is Gabriel: Making Sense of School: A Book about Sensory Processing DisorderThis is Gabriel: Making Sense of School: A Book about Sensory Processing DisorderI'm Not Weird, I Have Sensory Processing Disorder: Alexandra's JourneyI’m Not Weird, I Have Sensory Processing Disorder: Alexandra’s JourneyI'm Not Weird, I Have Sensory Processing Disorder: Alexandra's Journey

While the cute picture books are great for preschoolers and early elementary, older kids with sensory issues need this information too. Thankfully, some books have come out geared towards an older audience.

Many kids with SPD also struggle with anxiety and When My Worries Get Too Big has long been a favourite of mine to address that. The anxiety is often related to their sensory issues. This book is a great way to begin discussions and help them work through some of what they are dealing with.

The Superkids Activity Guide to Conquering Everyday is a really distinct resource in that it empowers kids while also giving parents a better understanding. And it helps kids celebrate their uniqueness instead of hiding from it.

Our Favourite Sensory Processing Books for Parents:

If you’re a parent who is just starting out on this sensory journey, thankfully, you do not need to go it alone. There are some wonderful resources designed to help you along the way. I highly recommend you start with these:

Sensory Processing Explained: A Handbook for Parents and EducatorsSensory Processing Explained: A Handbook for Parents and EducatorsBuy NowThe Sensory Lifestyle Handbook by Colleen BeckThe Sensory Lifestyle Handbook by Colleen BeckBuy NowThe Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing DisorderThe Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing DisorderThe Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder

You can read more about these books for parents here.

Looking for other ways to help your child with their sensory differences? Join me for a free 5 part email series Sensory Solutions and Activities and get your Sensory System Behaviours Easy Reference Cards.

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Filed Under: Sensory, Special Needs Parenting

How to Stop Sensory Overload from Turning into a Sensory Meltdown

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One of the questions I commonly get from other parents is “how do I stop sensory overload from turning into a sensory meltdown?”

You know the old Benjamin Franklin quote “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? Well, good old Ben knew what he was talking about!

When it comes to sensory overload, prevention is key. Getting ahead of it or preventing it from building up in the first place is so much easier than trying to play catch up when the scales have already been tipped into overload.

How to Stop Sensory Overload from Turning into a Sensory Meltdown #sensoryprocessingexplained #sensory #spd #sensorymeltdown #sensoryoverload #parentingtips #parentingHave you ever been fine and then suddenly felt like everything was just too much? There’s too much talking, too much noise, the music is too loud.

Even I have felt sensory overload on occasion. When we go on road trips with the kids (that’s two adults and a lot of children in a cramped space!), I sometimes hit a point where it’s all just too much. The sensory stimuli builds up (smells, sounds, sights, touch, vestibular input from the movement of the vehicle, proprioceptive input from the seatbelt, interoceptive input at being hungry or tired) until I can’t take one more minute of it.

Usually, if we pull over somewhere and I step outside for a few minutes and eat something so that I’m not hungry anymore, I can regulate myself again. Maybe you can relate.

It’s not uncommon for people to experience sensory overload even if they don’t have normally sensory issues.

Being overtired, stressed, or even hungry can make you more susceptible for sensory overload. These factors are especially important to consider when it comes to kids.

Those with autism, anxiety, PTSD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) are more prone to experiencing sensory overload. Sensory overload can also occur during migraines.

Once it begins, those suffering from it feel as though their senses are heightened. They are hyperaware of every sound, sight, smell, touch, and feeling. Sensory overload can often look like a panic attack. It is even more unpleasant for the person experiencing it as it is for those around them.

Stop sensory overload before it starts:

  • Choose neutral or calming paint colours.
  • Avoid patterned wallpaper or busy carpets.
  • Keep your home or classroom decor simple and minimalistic.
  • Lower the noise level.
  • Consider background noise such as overhead ceiling fans, outside noise coming in through an open window, and humming fluorescent lights.
  • Avoid scented candles, perfumes, air fresheners, and reduce cooking smells when possible.
  • Use a dimmer switch to lower lighting or close blinds.
  • Have the child (or adult) wear sunglasses in bright sunlight.
  • Use noise cancelling headphones in places where sound can’t be reduced.
  • Plan days so that only one busy event is happening on a single day and book days of rest in between.
  • Avoid places with crowds and a lot of sensory stimuli.
  • Plan ahead somewhere (a room or vehicle – depending on their age) the child can go to if they begin to feel overwhelmed. You can also use a designated signal word that they can use to indicate to you that they need to leave.
  • Provide regular sensory breaks throughout the day.
  • If you are in an environment with a lot of stimuli, have the person take regular breaks to do deep breathing or “get some air”.
  • Maintain a regular routine, particularly for bedtimes and mealtimes.
  • Provide regular snacks and plenty of water.

Recognize the Signs of Sensory Processing Overload:

Being able to recognize the signs of sensory overload can help you to take action before it turns into a full blown sensory meltdown. My friend Heather and I created a free cheatsheet to help you see the signs. Your can read more about the signs of sensory overload here or get your own copy of the cheatsheet to print off and keep as a reminder here. 

Stop sensory overload from leading to a meltdown:

  1. Even when you’ve done what you can to prevent sensory overload, it can still happen. Catch it early. This is key.
  2. As soon as you recognize signs of sensory overload, remove the child or person from the situation. Avoid touching them as this will only heighten their overload. If it’s a small child and you need to carry them or lead them by the hand, give them a verbal warning in a soft, calm voice beforehand.
  3. Don’t ask open ended questions. Keep things very quiet. Allow them to put a hoodie or blanket over their eyes if they wish. Provide noise cancelling headphones if you have them.
  4. Give them space and time.
  5. If you need to drive home, it is sometimes best to have a quiet time in the vehicle first as the motion of the drive will give vestibular input and could cause motion sickness once they are already experiencing sensory overload. (We’ve learned that one the hard way!)
  6. Coach your child through some calm down breathing.
  7. Wordlessly offer a comfort object such as a special blanket or stuffed animal if they want it.

When sensory overload leads to a sensory meltdown:

If you are unable to prevent sensory overload from turning into a sensory meltdown, remain calm. The tips here: How to Respond to a Sensory Meltdown will provide you with the tools you need to be able to help your child to regain control.

You likely won’t be able to prevent every sensory meltdown, but you will be able to curb most of them once you learn to recognize the things that create sensory overload for your child. You’ll have to play detective for awhile, looking for what seems to be most difficult for them. In time, you will recognize their sensory triggers and be able to stop meltdowns before they start.

Some other articles you may find helpful:

Sensory MeltdownsCalming Your Child’s Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response 

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Filed Under: Sensory, Special Needs Parenting

Nature Sensory Bottle

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The sensory input on this activity happens throughout the activity. Each individual nature sensory bottle is unique.

Nature Sensory Bottles #nature #kidsactivities #sensoryplay #sensoryactivitiesforkids #sensorybottlesBegin with a trip outside to explore nature. Bring a plastic water bottle with you. Allow your child to really take the lead on this walk or hike.

If they find things that catch their eye, they can add them to their sensory bottle. They can either gather all of the items before and add them to the bottle later or they can add the items as they find them.

My kids really enjoyed creating their nature sensory bottles. They enjoyed climbing through the trees looking to discover items to include. I love how each one of their came out so differently and yet all were lovely. We filled ours in the spring and the colours were so beautiful. The flowers, flower petals, and purple clover contrasting against the white rocks, green leaves and stems, and brown twigs made them quite striking.

Nature Sensory Bottle

Materials needed:

  • empty water bottle (I like the look of Voss bottles)
  • items found in nature

Instructions:

Go on a nature walk or hike to gather items for your nature sensory bottle. As you are outside, ask your child questions designed to help them become more aware of their sense.

“How does that rock feel?” or for younger kids, “Does that rock feel rough or smooth?”

“What do you smell?”

“Can you feel the wind?”

“What sounds do you hear?” or for younger kids, “Can you hear the birds chirping?”

“What colours or shapes do you see?”

As they gather items to fill their bottle, have them describe the items to you. See if they can incorporate their senses into the descriptions.

Really, any item they find can be added to the sensory bottle, so this list is not comprehensive.

When complete, place the lid on the bottle. Some of the items in these sensory bottles can mould over time due to moisture, so the bottles only keep for a few weeks. Or you can fill the bottle up and empty it right away and head back out on another nature hike to fill it again. 

What to put in a nature sensory bottle:

  • sticks
  • rocks
  • pussy willows
  • leaves
  • snow
  • water
  • flowers
  • flower petals
  • weeds
  • pebbles
  • seeds
  • dirt
  • mud
  • sea shells
  • pine cones
  • pine needles
  • feathers
  • herbs
  • grass
  • acorns
  • sand
  • berries
  • insects (only if you poke holes in the bottle of course)
  • wheat

You can do this sensory activity in any season. The nice thing about that is that the nature sensory bottle you make in winter will be very different than the one you make in spring. My favourite season is fall because of the colours of the leaves. They make beautiful sensory bottles!

This easy idea is included in our Sensory Science eBook Volume 1 in the Nature section. The book includes fun, hands-on activities for kids that combine learning with sensory input.  

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The Ultimate Guide to Messy Play

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I know; I know. If you’re a parent or teacher, the words “messy play” make you want to run for the hills! But, stick with me for a minute here.

Messy play is an important part of a child’s brain development. It allows a child to explore through their senses and to create while learning.

The Ultimate Guide to Messy Play #sensoryplay #sensory #kidsactivities #messyplay #preschool #kbn

Messy Play For Toddlers

Kids as young as babies and toddlers can begin with this type of sensory play. For children who may still put things in their mouths, you can choose taste safe play options. Of course, adult supervision is recommended for all of these activities.

Even older kids can benefit from messy play. There are many fun opportunities to get messy for kids (and adults) of all ages.

What are the benefits of messy play?

Messy play allows children the opportunity to explore the world around them through their senses. It gives them the freedom to be fully creative.

It also carries with it the benefits of sensory play. Messy play enhances a child’s vocabulary, introduces them to concepts such as experimentation and measurement, improves their coordination, gives them much-needed sensory input, encourages problem solving, and helps regulate emotions and behaviours.

messy play

Messy play gets children used to a variety of textures and this can actually help picky eaters. They become accustomed to different textures which helps their willingness to try new foods.

All those benefits far outweigh the inconvenience of the cleanup. Plus, messy play is fun and fun is an important part of childhood!

Messy Play Ideas

  • mud
  • bubble painting
  • sensory bins
  • mud kitchen
  • splashing in puddles
  • digging in the dirt or garden
  • foaming sidewalk paint
  • anything glitter!
  • slime
  • snow playdough
  • pudding painting
  • shaving cream painting
  • bubble wrap body slam painting
  • oobleck
  • soap foam
  • kinetic sand
  • paper maché
  • cloud dough
  • bubble wrap stomp painting
  • squirt gun painting
  • shaving cream and coloured ice cubes
  • building sand castles
  • shaving cream and glitter
  • waterbeads
  • kneading dough for cooking or play
  • playing in jello
  • cotton ball painting
  • freezie painting
  • frozen paint
  • squirt bottle painting
  • fingerpainting
  • condensed milk painting
  • painting with trucks
  • edible sludge
  • feet painting
  • edible mud
  • shaving cream block towers
  • paint filled balloons
  • jello colour mixing
  • fizzy cloud dough
  • cooked pasta
  • sensory soup
  • sand foam
  • frozen waterbeads
  • mud slime
  • edible play sand
  • puffy paint
  • sensory walk
  • snow painting
  • underwater magic sand
  • flour
  • sand volcano
  • exploding art
  • snap painting
  • ghost hands (marshmallow gooeyness)
  • swing painting
  • Instant Snow

Helpful Tips To Make Cleanup A Breeze

  1. Put a shower curtain liner (buy from the dollar store) underneath the messy play activity. It can easily thrown in the washer afterwards.
  2. Pack extra clothes and a plastic bag in case your child gets theirs dirty or wet.
  3. Have your child wear an apron or art smock.
  4. Have play clothes available that your child knows they can get dirty and even stained.
  5. Use washable paints and play materials.
  6. Lay newsprint down on the table underneath the messy art projects before you begin.
  7. Use a plastic tablecloth to make play dough or slime cleanup easier.
  8. Keep messy play outside.
  9. The bathtub is a great place for messy play.
  10. Place the sensory bin or sensory activity inside a much larger plastic tub.
  11. Keep wipes or paper towels and water nearby.
  12. Stay close by to supervise as the messy play materials can easily migrate to other areas of the house when kids are excited or distracted.

 

I’ll be honest with you… Messy play used to make me cringe. I remember one spring after we moved to our acreage. The snow melted and part of the yard didn’t have grass yet. It created a giant mud pool…which two of my girls went swimming in. Afterwards, the bath water looked like chocolate. And the clothes they had been wearing were so caked in mud that I was tempted to throw them away.

With my oldest two sons, I was that mom that told them NOT to splash in puddles. There was no glitter in the house and for painting, we used paintbrushes, not hands.

But then I saw how quickly time goes. Childhood is fleeting. When our other kids came along, I wanted them to experience all the mess and dirt that childhood had to offer. messy play

Look at the absolute joy that comes across in these pictures of two of my girls splashing in puddles in our yard! Yes, their clothes got wet and dirty. Yes, they got a bit cold. But their laughter made it all worth it.

These pictures to me convey more than just kids playing after a rain. They are proof that I was able to change. As a mom, I was able to grow and get out of my comfort zone. And because of that, my kids have had more memories and less clean clothes!

For more sensory solutions and activities, sign up for our email series and get a free sample of our Sensory Play Recipes eBook including recipes perfect for messy play.

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