65
Regulating activities
Below we have listed activities that can be used to raise or lower activation when a child is outside its window of tolerance . These activities can be comforting and can help the child to establish contact with itself and its surroundings , and to explore and develop self-regulation strategies . Many of the activities can both “ wake up ” and “ calm down ”. It is a good idea to practise them when the child is in a calm state . Explain to the child that these activities may be helpful in stressful situations .
Regulating down
• Squeeze a stress ball .
• Butterfly self-hugs ( arms crossed across chest ).
• Calming music .
• Pet animal or soft material .
• Safe touch , massage .
• Heavy blankets .
• Balancing activities .
• Grounding stone .
• Mild and pleasant smells .
Regulating up
• Squeeze a stress ball .
• Focus on things in the environment .
• Bike , run , jump .
• Music with fast rhythms .
• Chew different forms of food .
• Play the “ taste game ”, the “ smell game ” and the “ sensory game ”.
• Chew gum , blow bubbles .
• Taste ice cream .
• Touch ice-cubes .
REFLECTION QUESTION
The activities we have listed are just suggestions . Find activities that fit the child ’ s and your social environment . See also regulating activities according to age in Additional Tools .
Questions to reflect on
• What activities calm or stimulate a child you know ?
• What activities in your social environment / culture have calming or stimulating effects ?
HELP AND ACTION