It's that time of year when children are excited for summer, tired because it doesn't get dark at bedtime, out of routine, anxious about what comes next, sensitive, prone to meltdowns and tantrums, etc. This is what it means to be dis-regulated. There is so much going on, so much information to process, sometimes it's just easier to shut down or throw ones self on the ground. But it doesn't have to be like this. I'd like to offer some ideas to help regulate arousal through proprioception:

Regulation through play and movement allows us to get in and stay in an optimal zone of alertness/calmness using movement that uses our muscles and joints.

• Pushing and pulling using ropes

• Carrying heavy objects

• wheelbarrow walking

• pushing friend in wagon/wheelbarrow

• climbing

• going up the slide using arms only

• climb on or hang from monkey bars or a doorway chin-up bar

• dig in dirt

• stir cookie dough

• as an adult workout, move your body, use weights or your body as resistance.