Like most, we were in complete survival mode from March of 2020 until August of that year. And then something in me flipped. I went from straight survival to complete panic. I couldn’t begin to imagine how we’d survive a pandemic winter without ready access to our swingset and the ability to visit the many sprawling outdoor spaces that our community offers. We were outside as often as possible – Mother Nature had been our greatest gift up to that point, our complete and utter saving grace.
When the panic set in, I immediately ordered a patio heater online and we picked it up at a local hardware store – nevermind that it was a sweltering 90 degrees outside.. I thought that knowing we could be somewhat warm while enjoying a bonfire during our upcoming Wisconsin winter would help. Despite feeling a little better knowing we’d have heat while gathering with a friend or family member outdoors in the middle of a polar vortex, I still felt this relentless nagging fear about being stuck inside during a cold snap without the physical outlets our kids so desperately needed.
So in my unreasonable state of panic, I began scouring Pinterest and everything else the Internet had to offer. I started googling indoor ninja courses and then indoor playsets. They either wouldn’t work for our space, weren’t something both boys could enjoy, or were insanely expensive. I eventually graduated to thinking that maybe we could just create some kind of built-in structure in our basement. How hard could that actually be?! (Note: we’re not the build-it-yourselves kind of people despite really wishing we were!)
I found a few photos online, borrowed an idea or two from each of them and began envisioning our ideal sensory space. We called a local guy we knew who did handy work and pitched the idea. He thought it was something he could probably figure out and had some availability in November of that year (perfect timing!).
In our panic-stricken haze we got to work. We tore out the old basement carpeting, found some interlocking foam flooring that we thought would provide a decent cushion, got rid of our old furniture, taped out a rough design of the structure on the floor, found safe ways for Fletcher to “help” remove the tack strips (!!!) and hoped that this would be the answer to our prayers.
Let me tell you this was one time in my life where my extreme panic and anxiety turned out to be completely worth it. Our basement sensory gym has far exceeded our expectations. What was once a place for random play equipment, an old leather sectional draped with clean laundry begging to be folded and other odds and ends has been transformed into our sensory sanctuary. It’s a gathering place for our boys and the other littles in our pod. Most importantly, it’s where we can play as a family and where our boys have access to the tools that help the most with their sensory regulation. Fletcher told his OT the other day that he likes to go down there when he needs a “sensory break.”
We made it a “yes” zone. Meaning, there’s nothing they can’t jump on. We replaced our old furniture with a giant 7-foot bean bag filled with memory foam (best decision ever). It’s the kind of thing that absolutely envelops you when you lay down to watch a movie, but it also dubs as an epic crash mat. We had our craftsman add a slide, monkey bars, climbing elements and space that we could store costumes and toys underneath. We recently had him come back and add hardware for swings. I modeled it after a set-up at our OT clinic so it allows us to switch out what type of swing or hanging bar our kids want to use – we have come to appreciate and embrace our need for versatility.
We didn’t do all of this at once. We added things as we could. And we were fortunate to have a space that we could ultimately treat as a blank slate. I know that’s not the reality for everyone. Here’s the thing about sensory spaces. You don’t need a lot to provide kids with the sensory input they need, but having some outlets at home is helpful for everyone. A small collapsible trampoline for jumping, maybe some kettle bell weights for older kids, a teeter popper, a foldable mat, resistance bands, a yoga ball for bouncing on and stretching, even a small scooter maybe. There are loads of great ways to incorporate activities that provide necessary sensory input and they don’t have to take up a lot of space. They don’t even need to be permanent to be effective.
As winter is quickly approaching (or here for some of us!), I wanted to share our sensory gym in case you’re in panic mode like I was a year ago. Feel free to comment below if you have questions about our space or are looking for ideas. I’m happy to share what we did. Following are links to some of the key components we included as well.
In sensory solidarity! XOXO
Amazing and so so helpful! I especially love your reminder that you didn’t do all this at once.