We are now the proud owners of two trampolines—one indoor, one outdoor—and it’s all thanks to Z.
Poor Z. She never really wants anything and it’s very difficult to think of things to give her so we always resort to therapy related things. Big balls for bouncing on, blocks to stack, pegs to place on a peg board. And trampolines.
Z. exhibits a combination of sensory defensiveness and sensory seeking behaviors. Both of these are quite common in post-institutionalized children. Z. has always loved to swing—swinging gives her vestibular input which she uses to calm herself. (This is related to her sensory issues.) A trampoline is another great source of vestibular input and will help some children to calm, or self-regulate. I believe that trampolines are also helpful for children who have trouble self-regulating due to issues that are not sensory based.
I used to get stressed when the OTs would give us homework or throw one more thing out to me. It felt like a gigantic list I was compiling of things I must do for Z. But the list was getting so long that it was clear to me that I would never, ever, ever get through it in the course of a week, must less each day. I have a different view of it all now. I am a collector. It is as if I am walking through the woods collecting leaves, acorns, pebbles, bits of moss, whatever catches my eye. When I take my goodies home I may arrange them, add them to an existing collection, or put them away for safekeeping. And my list of “Things I Must Do To Help Z. To Heal and Thrive” has transformed into an odd collection of bits and pieces from here and there that I use when I need some inspiration or encouragement.
So this trampoline idea is something for you to put in your back pocket too. If your child has sensory issues or trouble self regulating you may want to try a trampoline. Our small indoor tramp. has games and a counter that will count up to 100 bounces (it’s annoyingly loud even with two volume settings). It helps all three kids to improve their attitudes, burn off excess energy, get some exercise, and have fun. We spent around $60 for ours, but in the middle of a freezing, blustery January when everyone has cabin fever that feels like a bargain.
Google “sensory seeking” for many, many lists of sensory seeking behaviors (some may surprise you)
Also try: “sensory defensiveness”, “sensory integrative dysfunction [SID]“, “self regulation strategies”, “vestibular input”
More vestibular input stuff: swinging, rocking chair, big balls to bounce on, Sit ‘N Spin, spinning chairs (office chairs), running in circles, cartwheels or somersaults, heavy work (taxing muscles)
Added: The indoor trampoline is called the Jump Smart Trampoline by Kid-Riffic Toys. [There is some wacky dealer on Amazon that has this listed for $300. Ignore that. We paid something like $50 and $10 shipping.]
[I hope this makes sense. I'm very tired tonight! I can't make my brain go. "Go, Brain, go!"]
We have very little space but about a year ago, when E was having hideous sleep problems and I was also looking at what looked like mild sensory-seeking behaviour, we bought a trampoline for her. A small one with a handle. We started letting her bounce on it before bed, going against the received wisdom of calming her down. It worked a treat, burning off her excess energy and I guess, letting out some endorphins.
It was in the centre of our living room for a few months, now put away. I love trampolines.
And the plus? I got to totally brag about her trampolining skills last summer as she lazily, confidently, ‘skater girl’ loped around public trampolines. And her highly questionable balance (she had her own volume of the accident book at nursery)improved 100%.
I think I’m going to dig it out again. Thanks for the reminder.
I really, really, really wanted to get a trampoline for my girls this year for Christmas. Now I think I’ll start saving for one. $60 seems pretty reasonable. Sigh.
I love our trampoline. It has been so good for my family. I have vowed to jump more myself this year. It is good or my heart and it helps relieve stress. Yay trampolines!
What brand is the one you have inside? My son would love soemthing like that!!
I remember sneeking off to the neighbors hosue to jump on thier trampoline. I LOVED it! I would spend an hour or more jsut bouncng by myself. Even today I like to bounce!
Stacey:
The indoor trampoline is the Jump Smart Trampoline by Kid-Riffic Toys. It looks to be sold out a bit, and the people who have them right now are the places that are charging a small fortune for it. I’d wait it out and see if they come back in stock. Also, I might try Craig’s List.
Jo:
R. has some highly questionable balance issues too. I am going to see if the jumping helps. He loves the indoor one with the handles.
Totally agree on the positives -In fact I have exactly the same outdoor trampoline which we all absolutely ADORE.
One word of warning re the indoor types. My nephew jumped so high (while holding on) that he flipped, fell and broke his elbow so badly that it still (5 years later) hasn’t properly healed and he’s been in and out of hospital.
That being said, he did land on a marble floor (they were renting in Rome). I have an indoor one too – but just do it on carpet with nothing nearby if they get good. But my brother just stands there and tut tuts at me about it!
I always enjoy reading your blog. One of my children has some SID stuff going on (unrelated to institutionalization). I like the website http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com for the checklists. Also, the book “Sensational Kids” by Lucy Jane Miller? Sorry if this is super-basic info!