Heavy . . . Work Work Work Work Work (In my Rihanna voice) in the Kitchen & Beyond

We jam in the kitchen. Listen to some upbeat tunes while putting in that heavy work to create our yummy masterpieces. Sensory kids can benefit from heavy work. Heavy work is an activity that pushes or pulls against the body. Sometimes kids with sensory differences struggle with balance, movement, and body awareness. I can’t tell you how many times my littles have tripped and stumbled over thin air. Or how going down a flight of stairs can be unnerving to  them, even when they cling to your hand or a rail (heaven forbid the germs …. ick). What we may have initially thought of as simply being a bit clumsy is in fact a crystal-clear sign that something is amiss. 

Sensory kids may exhibit signs of proprioceptive (awareness of the body in space) needs such as: 

• Appear clumsy 

• Fidgety or constantly on the move 

• Crashing/banging into things 

• Overly fearful of walking down stairs 

• “No fear” when jumping or walking down stairs 

• Hand flapping 

• Using too much or too little force on pencils, scissors, objects and people  

So heavy work helps make them feel more centered and calm by engaging body awareness. Activities like carrying grocery bags to the kitchen (only bags of items that will not break),  stirring food in a bowl and kneading bread are all ways that sensory kids can benefit from  heavy work. This will give them the ability to move their bodies with confidence and strengthen  their balancing skills. Depending on the needs of your child’s sensory diet, they may need more or less heavy work incorporated into their daily routines.  

Encouraging sensory kids to cook in the kitchen is one of many hard work activities that promotes organization and regulation of their sensory systems, particularly when feeling  overstimulated or overwhelmed. So grab your whisk, rolling pin, and Picky Pal. Let’s get started with some kitchen fun!