Avoiding Behavioral Problems: Keeping the Tots Busy

Now that Wilson has been significantly more cooperative after the implementation of calm down corner, we now have invested in quiet table activities that are sensory-based and can keep Wilson's attention, especially when we need to be doing other things. 

The key to the success of these activities are that they are kept in a separate area from the other toys; we pull down one at a time and work with it for a finite amount of time before we clean it up and move on to something else. When he starts to get upset, I will suggest calming down or playing with a sensory toy and he immediately stops. He also independently asks me to get a toy down if he wants to play with it as well. If your child is younger or has limited verbal abilities, it can help to use pictures of the toys so that they can point or bring you a picture of what they want. 

Along with the readily available calm down box, one of our first toys on our sensory bookshelf is a rice box. Easy to make and super fun for the kids. I took a plastic shoe box and filled it with rice (or couscous if you want to make it feel like sand) and put in a few cups and sea creatures. You can create different colors or make it into a bin for longer play. Either way, you will need an old sheet or blanket to put underneath the play area because it can get messy!

Our second toy on the shelf is play-doh. It is sensory-based, lots of fun and has interactive toys. I also purchased some safety scissors that he can use to cut the play-doh, since he loves interacting with the play-doh and cutting. It helps keep them focused, stimulates the tactile and visual senses. This is one of Wilson's favorites.

We also have several sound puzzles. These make loud noises when you put the piece in. These help develop focus, fine motor skills and keep the kids quiet and engaged. Wilson particularly likes the vehicle puzzle, but Melissa & Doug have several versions.

Another of Wil's favorite sensory toys is putty. It's stretchy and an interesting feeling; it helps focus, ground and keeps interest as it excites the tactile senses. Also, we hide objects (like pennies) in it so that we can dig through it to find them, then hide them again. This is a great calm-down toy as well (helpful when they are feeling over-stimulated, anxious or upset).

We also have a plastic box full of ultra-washable markers, colored pencils, crayons, safety scissors, a jumbo coloring pad, drawing paper and construction paper for Wilson to use to express his creative side. Another big favorite. 

 Paint with water books are fun, non-messy and help access that creative side. We have a few of these along with some preschool paintbrushes. Add water in a small cup and fun time begins!

Potato heads are also a big hit with Wilson; and they require quiet, focused concentration and play.

We have two of these skills boards that help keep him engaged and work on fine motor skills. These ones they usually need some help with at first, so it's not a completely independent activity.

Another activity that he likes is fingerpainting. We have a giant pad, washable fingerpaint colors and a smock to protect his clothes. We pour the paints on a paper plate and cover the table and let him go to town on the paper. He's actually much more cautious and deliberate with this activity than I would have thought. It helps to focus him, stimulate tactile senses and feed his creative side.

Melissa and Doug (who I love, by the way) have various reusable sticker pads which can help create lots of fun for little ones to create scenes -- and again -- help focus and calm, which is the key for all of these activities.

Magnetic dress up play helps develop creativity, focus and fine motor skills. I love this set for Wilson; the only thing that could be better is if Melissa and Doug had equally interesting dress up for a girl doll. I was a little miffed that she doesn't get superhero and fireman; she gets pink clothes, ballerina gear and princess dresses. Not cool, but that is another blog altogether...

Lacing beads are also a great activity. They require fine motor skills, focus, calm and are a great quiet table activity. Wilson loves the challenge of these and keeps going until all the beads are on the string. 

Peg boards are another tool that I got from the Occupational Therapist. They are fun, sensory-based, good learning tools and keep their attention and focus. A nice toy to take for travel as well - if you are planning on dining out, etc.

Sorting puzzles are helpful, calming, help with fine motor skills and are learning activities at the same time. There are a wide variety of these puzzles available - different varieties of the sorting puzzle are available at many locations -- just remember the key is keeping it special and only played with when requested.

Kinetic sand kits are amazing. The feeling of kinetic sand is a crazy sensory experience. Then playing with this in an easy, non-messy, creative way is incredibly engaging for little ones (I love these too!).

This pounding bench is the toddler equivalent to a punching bag. Great for getting out frustration and finding a way to giggle - even when you are feeling mad.

Wilson LOVES cutting things - probably because as a toddler, he is never allowed to touch knives, but sees us cut things all the time. This kit gives them the opportunity to feel like they are doing a big person activity, while working on fine motor skills. They may need help with this at first as they learn how to hold the wooden knife and push it between the food parts (which are held together by velcro).

This company has a few kits which are nice to take with you for travel - particularly eating out. I find when we are waiting for our meal, Wilson gets the most agitated, but keep him busy and he's laughing, sweet and engaged.

These toys, in addition to the calm down kit, have been a lifesaver. These are giving Wilson a positive outlet for all of his energy, help with calming down, a learning tool and a developmentally-based skill-builders! I love the positivity of these sensory methods because you are teaching them how to use external objects to help cope with strong emotions and building self-esteem. I always say that the best adult characteristics (i.e., being independent, knowing what you want, motivated, creative, investigatory, etc.) are the worst toddler characteristics for parents. Keeping a calm down and sensory activity library help you enjoy these toddler characteristics and keep your own sanity as an adult. Important things.

You can view my Pinterest board on sensory toys here: http://www.pinterest.com/mginicola/dealing-with-behavior-problems-in-toddlers/