If you listen closely you can hear the birds chirping…and they’ve got a message: Spring is just around the corner! And along with the clear blue skies and warmer weather is an opportune time to start spring cleaning. The best part is you can get your kids to help out. They will benefit from the satisfaction and pride of having a responsibility as well as benefit from the sensory input that goes along with many cleaning activities.

• Vestibular- play a fun game of “I spy” and make a game out of cleaning while you’re at it… hold your child from their legs in front of a bed or coach and carefully lower them to floor level to see if there are any toys hiding underneath the bed that need to be cleaned out…

• Deep Pressure-take winter blankets to be aired out outside… but before you do roll your kids in a big blanket (the hot dog roll) for deep pressure input.

• Heavy Work- have your kids carry a bucket of soapy water or a spray bottle (make sure they can carry it and that it’s just the right challenge and not too heavy). Have them dip the cleaning rag into the bucket, squeeze the water and clean a surface…Try singing a favorite song and have them clean until the song is done. Your cupboards, tables and door will be shining in no time!

• Oral-  use a dishwashing liquid recipe to make homemade bubbles…and have your kids pracitce blow them out through a wand… try this Sugar Bubbles  recipe (from http://momstown.ca/craft/homemade-bubble-recipes)

      1/2 cup of dishwashing liquid (Dawn or Joy)
      2 cups of water
      2 teaspoons of sugar

• Tactile- too much cleaning is not good either…Take a break from the cleaning with a messy mud pie game…..Add water to mud and make cakes for great tactile input         (though you probably might want to play outside J)

• Jumping- foot stamping is a great way to get proprioceptive input…after all is cleaned place a welcome mat at the front door and make a habit of stamping the dirt off of shoes before you come in…