Fun Proprioception Activities for Kids Who Struggle to Focus

Are you a parent or caregiver who is dealing with a child who has difficulty focusing or sitting still? You are not alone! Many children face challenges in this area, and one effective way to support them is through proprioception activities.

Understanding Proprioception: Proprioception is often called the “body awareness sense.” It helps us know where our bodies are in space without looking. For example, you’re using proprioception when you touch your nose with your eyes closed or walk without staring at your feet! This sense relies on signals from our muscles and joints to tell our brains about our movements, pressure, and body position. For children, engaging their proprioceptive senses through fun activities can improve focus, coordination, and self-regulation, making it easier for them to sit still and pay attention.

These activities, designed to improve focus and regulation, work by engaging the child’s sense of body awareness and movement. By diving into these fun and practical proprioception activities, you can be confident that you’re providing your child with effective support.

1. Obstacle Course Adventure: Create an indoor or outdoor obstacle course using everyday items like pillows, cushions, chairs, and hula hoops. Encourage your child to crawl, jump, hop, and balance through the course. This activity engages their proprioceptive sense by challenging their body movements and coordination. It’s a great way to burn off excess energy and improve focus.
   
   
2. Heavy Work Playtime Incorporate activities that involve heavy work, such as pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying objects. For example, have your child help you carry groceries or push a heavy laundry basket. These activities provide deep pressure input to their muscles and joints, which can have a calming effect and promote better regulation.
3. Sensory Bin Exploration: Create a sensory bin filled with materials like rice, beans, sand, or water. Hide small toys or objects within the bin and encourage your child to search for them using their hands and feet. This tactile experience not only engages their proprioceptive sense but also provides a sensory-rich environment that can help improve focus and attention.
4. Wall Push-Ups and Chair Squats: Incorporate simple exercises like wall push-ups and chair squats into your child’s daily routine. These activities require pushing or lifting their body weight, providing proprioceptive input to their muscles and joints. Not only do they enhance strength and coordination, but they also help promote better focus and self-regulation.
5. Dance Party: Add upbeat music and encourage your child to dance, jump, twirl, and stomp along to the rhythm. Dancing is a fantastic way to engage the entire body in movement, providing proprioceptive input and promoting sensory integration. Plus, it’s a fun and interactive activity that can boost mood and focus.
   
   

6. Stress Ball Squeeze: Provide your child with a stress ball or homemade squishy toy that they can squeeze and manipulate. Squeezing activities engage the muscles in their hands and arms, offering proprioceptive input to help regulate sensory processing and attention. It’s a portable and effective tool for promoting focus throughout the day.

   Incorporating proprioception activities into your child’s daily routine can significantly improve their ability to focus and regulate their behaviour. You are supporting their overall development and well-being by providing opportunities for sensory input and movement. So, get creative, have fun, and explore these engaging activities with your little one today!

   Remember, every child is unique, so feel free to adapt these activities based on your child’s preferences and abilities. With consistent practice and patience, you’ll likely see improvements in your child’s focus, self-regulation, and overall sensory processing. Happy exploring and enjoy the benefits of proprioception activities with your child!