After a full school day of learning, socialising, following rules, and managing expectations, many children arrive home emotionally exhausted. What they often need most isn’t more talking or tasks, it’s time and tools to regulate.
Below is a after-school regulation routine you can adapt to suit your child, using sensory tools that support calm, connection, and body awareness.
Step 1: Create a Safe Landing Space
Before anything else, children need a place where they can land and decompress. This doesn’t need to be fancy! A corner of the living room, bedroom, or playroom works perfect.
Include:
- Cushions or a Sensory Therapy Pad
- Projector Light
- A favourite sensory tool
- Minimal noise or distractions
Step 2: Use Deep Pressure to Ground the Body
Pressure input helps calm the nervous system, slow breathing, and improve body awareness. Weighted animals are a wonderful way to introduce deep pressure in a non-clinical, comforting way.
You might try:
- A weighted animal resting on their lap while they sit
- A cuddle while lying down
- Gentle pressure across the legs or shoulders
Step 3: Quiet Hands, Calmer Minds
Once the body begins to settle, many children still need something to do with their hands.
A quiet fidget can:
- Release excess energy
- Support focus
- Reduce anxiety and restlessness
Step 4: Transition to a Low-Demand Activity
After regulating, move into a calm, low-pressure activity such as:
- Drawing or colouring
- Reading
- Puzzles
- Listening to an audiobook
Avoid jumping straight into homework or chores, regulation first leads to far better outcomes later.
Featured Tools to Get you Started:
Sensory Projector Light, Sensory Therapy Pad, Fidget Pillow, Weighted Octopus
