Part of the reason I started Forged by Grace was honestly for myself — to create daily reminders I could actually use with my own kids.
I needed simple, quick ideas I could grab when we hit a rough patch or I felt stuck. These activities aren’t just for calm… they’re for connection. And they’ve helped me show up more grounded, even on the hard days.
1. Heavy Work = Big Calm
What it is: Lifting, pushing, pulling — activates proprioceptive input (deep pressure that helps the body feel grounded and calm).
Activity: Couch cushion stacking, laundry basket races, wall pushes.
Want to understand why your toddler might be roughhousing or hitting during these moments? Read Why Your Toddler Hits the Baby: Understanding Sensory Seeking and What to Do About It.
2. Fine Motor + Focus
What it supports: Hand strength, attention span, motor planning.
Activity: Clothespin rescue games, peeling stickers, scooping sensory bins.
3. Tactile Play for Tolerance
Why it matters: Many meltdowns are rooted in sensory defensiveness (when certain textures, sounds, or sensations feel “too much” to a child’s system).
Activity: Dry pasta sorting, shaving cream drawing, “treasure hunt” in rice.
For more on meltdowns read Borrowing Calm: The Real Secret to Handling Meltdowns.
4. Oral Motor Reset
What it helps: Calming and organization of the nervous system.
Activity: Bubble blowing contests, thick smoothie sips through a straw.
5. Connection through Co-Regulation
What it means: You play with them — not just set up the activity.
Activity: Mirror movement games, call-and-repeat dancing, read-aloud with actions.
Learn more about co-regulation and how your own behavior impacts your child’s in How Your Reactions Shape Your Child’s Behavior: Emotional Regulation for Parents.
Any parent knows how hard it is to remember everything in the moment.
Even with my OT background, I still find myself needing to look things up — and then I think, “Oh right, I knew that!” Having a go-to place where I can pull up a quick list of ideas makes all the difference. It shifts the energy in our home almost instantly.
Want more simple, soothing play ideas?
Grab my FREE printable: 10 Calming Activities That Don’t Require a Craft Closet.
Click here Or go to my Pinterest and save it as a Pin
View comments
+ Leave a comment