Handy Hints from Sharon
The everyday tools helping busy minds slow down. 👋
If your child doesn't automatically take to their new sensory necklace, try adding a subtle scent or flavour to encourage them to use it. Place the chew necklace in a saucer of water with a few drops of food flavouring or essence and leave it overnight. The gentle flavour may make the chew more appealing and encourage your child to put it in their mouth.
Note: If using flavourings or essences, ensure they are food-safe and compatible with the material of the sensory chew.
Active classroom sitting, visual time, and deep pressure support for school success. 🏫
Instead of waiting for a wiggly child to disrupt the class and get into trouble, the teacher hands them a folder to deliver to the front office or Principal. The Secret Note: The folder contains a permanent, pre-written note from the teacher: "This is a movement break. Please look busy, keep the student waiting for a minute, and send them back with a quick reply." The Office Role: The office staff scribbles a quick note back (like "Thanks for delivering this!" or a smiley face) and sends them back to class.
When kids have a mountain of toys, they often get hit with "choice paralysis"—they get so overwhelmed by the clutter that they claim they are bored of absolutely everything. The Strategy: Divide and Conquer: Sort their toys into 3 or 4 separate storage boxes. The Disappearing Act: Put all but one of the boxes completely away out of sight (in a closet, the garage, or up high). The Weekly Swap: Every week (or two), pack up the current toys and bring out a "new" box from hiding. Why it works: It instantly declutters the room, which reduces sensory overload and naturally increases their focus and independent play time. Best of all? Every single rotation feels like Christmas morning all over again, making old toys feel brand new without spending a single dollar!
Stick this to your fridge!
The Ultimate School Holiday Survival Guide
Hi everyone, Sharon here from The Therapy and Sensory Shop. As the school holidays kick into gear right across Australia, running out of ideas (and breaking the budget!) is a real challenge for parents. I want to share my favorite Holiday Survival Strategy with you. At the start of the break, grab a big piece of paper, sit down with the kids to get their input, and brainstorm a massive master list to stick right on the fridge. The goal? Take them out, wear them out, and then come home to rest and regulate. To help fill your fridge list, here is a nationwide breakdown of ideas split into Free, Cheap, and Special Treat categories, ready for both beautiful sunny days and rainy wet weather:
Sharon's Handy Hint:
"How was your day?" Ever ask your child "How was your day?" when they get home, only to get a grunt, a shrug, or a one-word answer?
After a long day of masking, learning, and processing sensory input, their brain is often completely drained. Instead, try this two-step conversation builder: Ask: "What was the worst thing that happened today?" (This gives them permission to vent and release any built-up frustration or sensory stress first).
Then ask: "What was the best thing that happened today?" (Once the heavy stuff is out, ending on a positive note helps reframe their day!)
Sharon’s Handy Hint: Desk Fidgets Getting Messy? Try a Lunch Box!
Storing a student's silent fidget kit in a small plastic lunch box right by their desk is an easy, budget-friendly hack! Set one simple rule: Only one fidget out at a time. If they want to switch tools, the first one has to go back into the container first.
It keeps desks clutter-free, stops distractions, and helps kids learn how to manage their own sensory needs responsibly! 
Sharon’s Handy Hint:
Music and movement activities can provide opportunities for vestibular, proprioceptive and auditory input, while developing coordination, motor planning, postural control, bilateral integration, body awareness and self-regulation. Most importantly, keep it playful and child-led. Let children choose the music, instruments and movements they enjoy, and build activities around their interests.
Musical freeze games: Dance while the music plays and freeze when it stops. This is excellent for attention, impulse control and motor planning. Homemade instruments: Pots and wooden spoons can become drums, while containers filled securely with rice or pasta can make shakers. Movement pathways: Create a simple indoor obstacle course with cushions, tunnels, stepping spots and chairs to climb under or around while music plays.