Ways to Incorporate Proprioceptive Input at Home

Proprioceptive input is typically very calming and organizing to the nervous system. A child who has lots of energy or a “fast” running engine will typically be able to calm and re-focus with proprioceptive input. Proprioceptive input can also be alerting for a child who has low energy or a “slow” running engine. Experiment with your child with the activities below to see what proprioceptive activities are calming and which ones are alerting.

Activities that provide proprioceptive input:

• Hand Hugs
• Wheelbarrow Walks
• Wall Pushes
• Chair Push Ups
• Hand Presses
• Hand Clapping Games
• Animal Walks (bear crawl, crab walks, frog hops)
• Pillow Squish (stack couch or bed pillows and squish under them)
• Pillow Fights
• Burrito Roll (child rolls up in a blanket or towel with head exposed)
• Steamroller (roll a large ball or foam roller on the child’s back, arms and legs while child lays on their tummy)
• Squish Box (a box that is just big enough for your child to squeeze into with pillows)
• Stomping, Jumping, Marching, Skipping, Hopping
• Chewing Gum or Chewy foods
• Using a Straw to Drink/Eat (milkshakes, smoothies, yogurt, pudding, applesauce)
• Chewelry
• Vibrating toy or oral tools
• Hop Scotch
• Tug of War
• Safe Rough Play/Wrestling
• Heavy Ball (toss to target, play catch, pass to your partner)
• Trampoline
• Hippity Hop
• Hand Stands (against the wall)
• Climbing Activities
• Swimming
• Gymnastics
• Karate
• Bike Ride
• Carrying Heavy Objects (groceries, laundry, lunch bucket at school)
• Push/Pull Activities (shopping cart, wagon, stroller, lawn mower, friends on a sheet or blanket)
• Open Doors for people
• Hammering Activities
• Sweeping, Vacuuming, Mopping
• Wash Tables, Windows, Car, Toys
• Digging Dirt or Raking Leaves
• Rearrange Furniture (move chairs etc. to sweep or clean)
• Compression garments or tight clothing
• Body Sock
• Theraband Activities
• Heavy blanket
• Weighted Lap Pad or Lap Sock
• Fabric Tunnel
• Weighted Backpack