Children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) often struggle to concentrate, especially when completing tasks or staying calm at home. Fortunately, sensory activities can stimulate their sensory systems, helping regulate emotions and improve focus. As a brand focused on sensory products, Sensory Harbor (https://sensoryharbor.com/) wants to share 5 simple and effective activities for parents to try at home. Let’s dive in!
Activity 1: Sensory Swing Rocking Game
Required Tools: A sensory swing, like the Sensory Joy Swing (link: https://sensoryharbor.com/products/sensory-joy-swing-for-sensory-processing-needs)
Time: 10-15 minutes
Have your child sit on a sensory swing and gently rock back and forth, encouraging deep breathing. The vestibular stimulation from rocking can activate their brain’s balance system, reducing anxiety and enhancing focus. You can ask them to close their eyes and focus on the rhythm or count breaths for added engagement.
Why It Works: According to the National Autism Association (https://nationalautismassociation.org/), vestibular movement significantly helps regulate sensory input, especially for children with ADHD or autism.
Tip: Try our Sensory Joy Swing (https://sensoryharbor.com/products/sensory-joy-swing-for-sensory-processing-needs), which supports up to 200 pounds, is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and is easy to install and safe.
Activity 2: Compression Vest Pressure Game
Required Tools: A compression vest, like the Sensory Harbor Compression Vest (link: https://sensoryharbor.com/products/compression-vest-for-sensory-support)
Time: 15-20 minutes
After putting on a compression vest, have your child complete a simple task, such as a puzzle or drawing. The deep pressure touch from the vest provides a “hugging” sensation, reducing restlessness and helping them focus on the task at hand.
Why It Works: Deep pressure touch is widely recognized as an effective way to relieve sensory overload, particularly for managing emotions in ADHD children.
Tip: Our compression vest (https://sensoryharbor.com/products/compression-vest-for-sensory-support) is made of soft, breathable material, perfect for extended wear. Want to explore more sensory tools? Check out our product collection (https://sensoryharbor.com/collections/all).
Activity 3: Sensory Socks Stretching Exercise
Required Tools: A pair of sensory socks, like the Sensory Harbor Sensory Socks (link: https://sensoryharbor.com/products/sensory-socks-for-kids)
Time: 10 minutes
Have your child wear sensory socks and try simple stretching movements, like leg lifts, body twists, or jumping. The elastic design of the socks provides moderate pressure and resistance, helping them sense their body position and improve focus and coordination.
Why It Works: This activity stimulates proprioception, which is crucial for body awareness and self-regulation in ADHD children.
Tip: Our sensory socks (https://sensoryharbor.com/products/sensory-socks-for-kids) come in various sizes, starting at just $14.99—give them a try!
Activity 4: Texture Exploration
Required Tools: Common household items (towel, sand, feathers, etc.)
Time: 15 minutes
Prepare several items with different textures, such as a soft towel, rough sand, or smooth feathers. Have your child close their eyes, touch each item, and describe how it feels. You can ask, “What does this feel like?” or have them guess what it is.
Why It Works: Touch activities stimulate the tactile system, helping ADHD children find calm through sensory input while training their attention.
Tip: If your child enjoys stronger sensory experiences, pair this with our body sock (https://sensoryharbor.com/products/body-sock-for-sensory-play) for full-body tactile play.
Activity 5: White Noise Relaxation Challenge
Required Tools: A white noise machine or mobile app
Time: 10-15 minutes
Play white noise, like rain or ocean sounds, and have your child lie down or sit comfortably, closing their eyes to focus on the sound. Tell them to imagine being in a quiet forest or by the sea, challenging them to stay silent for 5 minutes.
Why It Works: White noise blocks distractions, helping ADHD children’s brains relax and improve focus. Research shows background noise has unique calming effects for children with attention deficits (source: ADDitude Magazine, https://www.additudemag.com/).
Tip: Combine with a sensory swing or compression vest for better results. Explore more relaxation tools on our sensory products page (https://sensoryharbor.com/collections/sensory-tools).
Conclusion: Make Sensory Activities a Daily Habit
These 5 sensory activities are simple yet effective in significantly improving focus and emotional regulation for ADHD children. Whether rocking on a sensory swing or wearing a compression vest, these methods can help your child find calm at home. Try spending 10-20 minutes daily playing these games with your child—you’ll notice the difference!
Want to make these activities easier? Sensory Harbor offers a range of products designed for children with special needs, from sensory swings to sensory socks. Browse our full product collection (https://sensoryharbor.com/collections/all) now and enjoy free shipping on orders over $29.99!
Have you tried any sensory activities? Leave a comment below to share your experience, or contact our customer support team (https://sensoryharbor.com/pages/contact-us) for more suggestions!