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Online Resources
Every day each child intakes, processes and outputs all their sensory experiences. These include every sight, sound, taste, smell, tactile sensation, head and body movement their bodies encounter throughout the day. Sometimes a child doesn't process all their sensory experiences in a coordinated and integrated behavior. There are rarely any simple solutions.
The following areas are some of the most common challenges children with sensory issues display. Click through each challenge to view resource articles and home prescriptions we recommend to our families to assist with teaching the child how to become the boss of their own body.
Tantrums and Meltdowns Part 1: Understanding the Difference Between a Temper Tantrum and a Sensory Meltdown
When we see a child crying, kicking, screaming, and hitting, it can sometimes be difficult to understand what is going on from the child's perspective. This chart can help explain what is going on behind the outward behavior and the differences between a sensory meltdown and a tantrum. This is Part 1 in our 3 part series, be sure to follow the links below of the page for more helpful information on how to respond to a meltdown in its midst, and strategies to prevent another m
1 min read
Tantrums and Meltdowns Part 2: Strategies for Handling Sensory Meltdowns
Here are tips for how to respond to a meltdown in the midst of it. For more information about the difference between tantrums and meltdowns, and some suggested strategies for how to prevent a meltdown from occurring, see the links below.
1 min read
Tantrums and Meltdowns Part 3: How to Prevent a Meltdown from Starting
The following are strategies we recommend for preventing sensory meltdowns from occurring. These are not as effective for tantrums, please refer to our previous article for more information on the difference between the two. This is the final part in our three-part series on Meltdowns and Tantrums. Please refer to the links below for parts one and two in the series.
1 min read
Life Goals Exercise
Recommended for parents who desire their kids to: Grow to be independent adults Meet their full potential To help them navigate their lives Figure out why they were put on this Earth I think that when your son or daughter is 8-9 years old, they can begin to engage in this life-long process of goal creation. It played out in the Murray Household as a father/son Christmas time “happening” beginning in 2009 (sons’ were 13, 11 and 9 years old). I owe the credit to Brian Tracy’s p
2 min read
The Murray Family's Top 75 Parenting Tips
Get the “What to Expect” book series (we may be dating ourselves with this one) Choose a pediatrician that you trust (and that will listen to your concerns) Purchase a jog stroller and a kid carrier front pack and backpack (take your kids everywhere) Give babies lots of tummy time (it’s more fun if you’re on the floor with them) Connect with other parents who share your values (trade off child care) Read to them every day (start right now) Let kids feed themselves as soon as
4 min read
Role of Swings in the Home
How can daily access of swings help the child with SPD or ASD? My philosophy/charge is to use as many resources to make the greatest amount of change in the nervous system of every child. The swing/swings in the home is an ideal place to change the child’s nervous system. There are swings for calming (compression/lycra), there are swings for excitation (trapeze bar/donut swing, etc…) and once they are set up it is super convenient to just go to the basement, family room, gara
2 min read
The Sorry Card
Many children have difficulty knowing how to apologize. At Murray Therapy, we have created a simple apology card which helps teach how to say you're sorry, and mean it. The next time your little one does something that warrants an apology, print off the attached sheet and cut in half. Ask your child to fill out the names, and you can help with what they're apologizing for. Then have your child deliver this note to the person s/he wronged. It shouldn't take more than a few tim
1 min read
Bedtime Strategies
In this video Mr. John introduces the analogy of your child's nervous system as a car, and then provides three easy strategies for improving transitions getting the car into the garage and winding it down at night. Mr. John's top strategies for settling your child into bed at night: Set a bedtime routine i.e., bath, books, prayers, bed-time story, etc. and stick to it at the same time every night. Turn off screens at least one hour before bed. It is never a good idea to have
2 min read
Summer Activities List
Have a look below for free and inexpensive activities to spend quality time with your kids this summer in Northern Colorado. Includes Sensory-Friendly events too!
1 min read
Improving Self Image
Recommended for Kids who need: A self-confidence boost Encouragement to try new things Help directing them towards “awesomeness” Need protection from the morass of life One of the blessings of being an occupational therapist for a gazillion years (38+ years learning with kids), is that occasionally, you “hit a homerun”! The Self-Image for Children guided imagery CD/download is that “Homerun!” I believe that I came across this in the late 80’s. It is a bedtime enhancer and ha
2 min read
When Your Child Splits Time Between Two Households
Matt is one of our involved parents always looking to find better solutions for his child. The following is what we refer to as Matt's Strategy List for making the transition between his home and the other parent's home happen as smoothly as possible. Duplicate a few favorite toys when possible so that those toys are at each place. Divide up other toys. If one parent will stay at the current house, keep the bedroom as consistent as possible. Have only a small bag to transfer
1 min read
Alternatives to Discipline
In the past and present, physical discipline has been used to teach a child to stop a bad behavior. However, many researchers have found just the opposite effect. It has negative outcomes for children’s mental health, relations with family, and social interactions. It increases the likelihood that the child will have more delinquent behavior and replicate it with others. The use of physical discipline is not more effective than time-outs and does not increase a child’s obedie
2 min read
The Gift of Spiritual Intervention
While I was at church today I had one of those little God insights and I would like to share this with you. My mother, Mary Murray, prayed for me every day. As I reflect on my life, I am living proof that my mother was consistently intervening on my behalf. It is because of her praying diligently that I am able to write these words today. What a blessing! I encourage you to pray for your sons’/daughters’ as well as yourselves. The families that I serve in therapy benef
2 min read
The Mini-Trampoline Victory
I recently had a huge "aha moment" with one of my favorite and most recommended therapy tools, the mini-trampoline. I have been using this in the past for high quality, intense, and easily accessible proprioceptive input. I have used it over the years to help kids potty train, cease chewing on their shirts, slow down crashing into everything, improve their ability to sit for meals, help with transitions, improve visual functions and lately improve their ability to sleep at
1 min read
Should I Stay or Go? When to Start Kindergarten
I would like to weigh in on a few feelings about a question I am often asked. “Should I send them onto kindergarten?” My first and foremost thought is… when in doubt keep them out. You (the parent) know your child best. My present rule of thumb is, if your son/daughter is born after May 1st, don’t send them to kindergarten. It is better that they not be the youngest in the class for the rest of their 12 years of public education. My opinion is driven from 2 factors. The
1 min read
10 Reasons for Restricting Devices for Children Under the Age of 12
Research has proven that handheld devices such as smart phones and tablets can have severe negative impacts on the well-being of children. The following article on the Huffington Post details ten reasons why technology should be limited in children, and offers technology use guidelines for children.
1 min read
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