Indoor Activities for Calm, Focus, and Motion with Infinity Kids
With two “spirited” boys, another on the way, and a private pediatric practice, Infinity Kids’ Tala Brinderson has her hands full. Years of occupational therapy training has allowed her to get creative at home and utilize this time to embrace “engaging directly” with her children rather than passively entertaining (which can often become the default mode when adult responsibilities come into play). Lengthy periods indoors have reinvigorated the cultivation of patience to approach difficult situations with a “curious, instead of furious” attitude, which, in turn has helped bring more harmony and peace into the household.
Short walks and bike rides are a must for the family, but as many are experiencing right now, the home is the central point to which all things circle. Staying inside with young children can be a challenge, so we asked Tala to provide some of her favorite recommendations for keeping everyone happy, healthy, and busy.
For Focus
Movement Based Learning
Who it’s for: For children struggling to stay focused or attend to their work.
Materials needed: An exercise ball.
Steps: Sit on the ball while engaged in a mental task such as homework.
What this does: This proprioception exercise allows children to displace built up energy in their bodies by balancing and/or bouncing to stay focused on their homework or virtual learning. Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense the body’s orientation to the surrounding environment and sitting on an exercise ball provides feedback to the sensory system which can be very grounding.
For Calm
Pinwheel Breathing
Who it’s for: For children who may be experiencing stress, anxiety, or strong emotions.
Materials needed: A pencil with an eraser, a pushpin, scissors, and a paper with a pinwheel print.
Steps: Color the pinwheel print. Next, cut along the lines of the pinwheel, taking each corner of the pinwheel and lining them up over the center dot. Push the pushpin through the center of the pinwheel. To finish, stick the pushpin on top of the pencil eraser. Have the child breathe in and blow out to create wind to spin the pinwheel.
What this does: The in-and-out breath is helpful for any child dealing with strong feelings. The concept of breath as a soothing mechanism is an ancient modality used in yoga and meditation, but can be a tough activity to keep children engaged. The addition of a pinwheel allows for novelty and higher engagement in this activity.
For Motion
Balloon Tennis
Who it’s for: Children and adults alike who need to get their bodies moving.
Materials needed: 2 paper plates, 2 popsicle sticks, and a balloon.
Steps: Assemble the tennis paddles by taping each popsicle stick to the back of a paper plate. Blow up a balloon and commence the tennis match!
What this does: Addresses visual tracking, balance, and fine motor strength while also providing light physical activity.
For more inspiration visit Infinity Kids’ Facebook and Instagram pages, where they are offering one fun activity daily that families can participate in to aid in the development of children of all ages and abilities. Infinity Kids has also implemented telehealth at this time to provide online therapy and support for families.
Meagan Ashmore is an Orange County native who finds endless joy and inspiration in the beach cities of the California coast. Find her on Instagram at @orangebohemain_.
Photos courtesy of Infinity Kids.