In our sensory gym centre, you, your child and I play together to identify theirs and your own sensory preferences, that the body tolerates comfortably and keeps you both feeling safe and regulated. We also identify the sensory sensitivities that potentially can push your child’s nervous system into a hyper-aroused state or a low, shut down state of hypo-arousal. The child’s wellbeing is protected and measures taken to help them self-regulate to always remain in a safe level of nervous system comfort whilst at the centre, with the goal to self-regulate at home, school and out in the community.
The parent-child bond is highly respected within the centre and the child’s relationship and connection to you is nurtured within the sensory program as your child and you learn to regulate independently and to co-regulate in a loving, fun, fulfilling way. Take home worksheets with fun activities to introduce sensory regulation into your lives gently and without fuss are provided at the end of each gym session.
Emphasis is on the fun component. If your child is not having fun and not feeling in a just right, safe level for their situation through their sensory experiences, they will not engage with the program for self-regulation. Sensory activities need to be meaningful for the child and yourself. For example, start the day with a brisk walk, run or bicycle ride followed by a crunchy muesli, smoothie or cup of tea to alert the body for work or school. Riding a bike to school or walking with a friend helps raise your child’s level of alertness in preparation for school. Choose sensory activities that fit easily into your life.
Based on The Alert Program developed by Williams and Shellenberger, the sensory program is tailored to meet each child where they are at, addressing their challenges whilst empowering their parents with tools that nurture connection and emotional growth. Self-regulation is not about fixing behaviour, it’s about helping the child feel heard, understood, and valued.
I first became interested in sensory activities whilst training to teach in a toddler/pre-school parent-child education centre 30 years ago. I watched a video of a school aged child going through a series of sensory-based activities to help improve identified learning difficulties. Sensory work became a passion for me and began a dream for a sensory parent-child education centre of my own. When I thought of the centre and the children it could help to manage their big emotions, challenging behaviours and those who retreat within when facing uncomfortable environments and situations, I was always reminded of a boy I went through my primary school years with as a classmate. I picture him as a 10-year old, loud, always rushing, constantly in trouble, misunderstood and how he could have been served by a sensory regulation program such as the Sensory Tuning gym program.
With the ability to self-regulate comes the opportunity for your child to communicate calmly and with purpose whether that be with their parents, teachers, classmates, friends, siblings, the local shopkeeper. To focus with intention. To recognise their own strengths and to sense their value. To connect socially with ease and a feeling of safety and comfort. To stretch themselves with a feeling of confidence, to reach their potential. Together, we can teach your child the skills of self-regulation to create a feeling of inner safety and control that enables your child to thrive, and your relationship to grow stronger than ever.
Join me next time when I introduce a few different child behaviour profiles. You might recognize your child amongst these profiles, which learning self-regulation may help.
