OT Aerialist

Parenting is full of unexpected lessons, often disguised as the simplest moments.

I had a beautiful moment with my daughter, but it didn’t start out that way. She woke up from her nap crying. She struggled against my arms, wanting me to let her go, but I knew calming her nervous system with pressure might help. This kind of touch, proprioceptive input, can be soothing. Another calming technique I know is vestibular input—movement of the body.

With this in mind, I held my crying daughter close and walked outside to my portable aerial rig, where I have a hammock set up for us to play and for me to get some exercise. As we approached the hammock, the fabric swaying gently in the breeze, I realized it might be a bit of a struggle to get both of us into it. But I proceeded, fumbling to get in and find a comfortable position. After some adjustments, and with her still fussing, I finally settled into a position where I could lie back, then swing us gently with my feet. The calming began.

As she continued to cry, I began to demonstrate a calm state by showing and letting her feel big breaths. As she laid on my chest, I could see her rise and fall with each breath I took. She nuzzled in closer.

After a while, her tears began to fade. I tried to talk to her at this point, hoping to understand why she’d been so upset. But as soon as I spoke, her tears started up again. So I kept silent as we swung. I increased my breathing audibly. Letting her feel the peaceful space I was creating.

Eventually, after about 15 minutes, she came to a calm state. I let her rest quietly in that space for a few more minutes, then softly asked her, “Were you sad that Mommy put you down when you didn’t want to nap?” In a small, gentle voice, she said yes. I apologized for putting her to bed while she was upset and for letting my own frustration show. I told her how much I loved her, and in that moment, I felt profoundly grateful.

“When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it’s our job to share our calm, not join their chaos.” – L.R. Knost

This moment reminded me of the value of simple, intentional tools like movement and touch—principles I’ve learned through my training but now apply with my whole heart as a parent. Using techniques like proprioceptive and rhythmic input created a calm that words couldn’t reach, but it was her response that truly taught me something. While I was helping her settle, she reminded me of the magic of being present.

Further Reading: The Power of Touch and Movement in Parenting

If you’re curious about the calming techniques I used during this moment, here’s a brief explanation:

• Proprioceptive Input: This type of sensory input involves deep pressure, like a hug, firm touch, or even weighted blankets. It helps regulate the nervous system and can be incredibly calming during moments of stress or emotional overwhelm.
• Vestibular Input: Gentle movement, such as rocking, swinging, or spinning, activates the inner ear and helps regulate balance and emotions. It’s why swings and hammocks can be naturally soothing for many children.

These techniques are rooted in occupational therapy principles but are simple tools any parent can incorporate into their daily routine. They’re a reminder that connection and movement are powerful ways to help children feel safe and calm in challenging moments.

For more information or resources, consider exploring the Parents Guide To Sensory Integration & Processing or The Out-of-Sync Child, which offers comprehensive insights into sensory processing and practical strategies for parents.

Additionally, here is a PDF on Developmental Therapy.

These resources can offer valuable guidance on how to integrate sensory-based strategies into your parenting approach.

The links in the post to the resource books are Affiliate links