Emotional Education : Sensory & Transition Helpers
For some of us (and our kiddos!) sensory needs are high. Linings of shirts and tags or sand at the beach...some need to seek out extra sensory input to stay organized. Many kids with high sensory needs also have experienced burnout...low energy, and need extra help transitioning from one thing to another! The transition times are at a peak with back to school so this post is for any parent or child who may need help with sensory or transition needs! -Eryn Jones
Behavior note: Many sensory kiddos seem like they are all over the place and you might think it is counter-intuitive to "alert" them further; however, their brains are actually seeking out input to organize itself and their behavior is usually a symptom of under-stimulated or under-developed areas.
IF YOU HAVE ANYONE IN YOUR HOME WITH SENSORY NEEDS TRY THESE ALERTING, BRAIN-SUPPORTING OILS:
Wintergreen/ Raven (a favorite of our sensory teen!)
Black Pepper (also high in sesquiterpenes and one of my son's most favorite oils, it's funny, but Black Pepper really calms him!)
OrthoEase Massage oil (also contains vetiver- high in sesquiterpines)
Place topical oils on the big toe, spine, or back of the neck just below the hairline which is closest to the cerebellum sitting at the lowest point of the brain.
Pair these helpful oils with some cross-lateral activities...like crawling, right elbow to left knee, partner clapping games, biking, playing on the playground, etc!
OILS FOR TRANSITIONS!
A "transition" = anything that changes from what was expected or even the changing from one event/activity to another. Going from playing to nap times, going from home to school, dealing with not doing well on a test, making new friends....all transitions
Also, from a scientific standpoint- Transitions are all micro-stressors. They can trigger our bodies fight/ flight/ or freeze response. Some oils are extremely helpful in getting the body out of that stress response and we have these on hand in key transition places (i.e. the car) and in key transition moments (i.e. going from play/ work to sleep).
THESE ARE MY FAVORITE OILS FOR HELPING US SO WELL WITH TRANSITIONS:
Blends that are great for transitions, containing some or all of the above oils: Release, Peace & Calming, Valor, Brain Power, Inner Child, Stress Away, Transformation, & Trauma Life