We would love to take my daughter, who is 23 months, to the beach this summer. The problem is she's a preemie and has a fear of anything grainy. It's been four months since we've tried sand and she wants me to lift her over it to get to the swings at the park and won't even go down the slide in fear of landing in the sand. We've been evaluated by an occupational therapist and she recommended "brushing therapy." Does this really work? Do you have any ideas?
2007-07-06 06:57:55 · 8 answers · asked by Mom of One in Wisconsin 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
okay, i have a 23 montho old daughter that was a preemie and was at the beginning of the summer afraid...actually terrified of sand, she would cry if i was standing in the sand barefoot and point to my feet crying "shoes" because she hated it so much she didn't want me in it. it took a few weeks, but i am a ''beach bum'', and live close to lake michigan so i was persistent. first i held her (her clinging tightly) while we watched the other kids play in the sand, then i let her touch it with her hands (which she didn't like) then i sat on a towel with her clinging to me on my lap, i did this for a long time. next i put her feet in the sand without her noticing, we did this for a few days until we were sitting there and she would stand alone in the sand, next she started sitting in it, now she LOVES the beach!!! however after getting over the sand thing she still was afraid of the water so that was another story
i would also recomend getting a small sandbox, or even just keeping some sand in a large tupperware for her to play with in the house. best of luck to you making wonderfull family beach days!
2007-07-06 12:56:52 · answer #1 · answered by karateJenn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my child had this too
but we went to the beach and turned out fine at first it was a big deal no i cant touch this but we put him down and it wiped it off for 30 mins then he was running and playing in it
did u ever try putting her in it for 30 mins??? and just seeing if she figures out that its ok
i mean i got him a sandbox b4 we went to the beach and did that everday i put sand in his hand and let him brush it off and we would do this for awhile
my child still doesnt really like sand but he knows he can brush it off now and that it wont hurt it did take awhile and a trip to the beach lol
i have never heard of brushing therapy
is this a sign of autism too cuz i heard it was i know he has other signs and is getting evaluated but i was just wondering if that was another sign
what is up with so many children having autism anymore???
2007-07-06 18:26:16 · answer #2 · answered by Tink 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my two year old was like that till i took him to the beach and just sat him on it and i sat with him then i showed him it and rubbed it through my hands he hated this at first but i wouldnt pick him up and in the end he got over the fear after about 20 mins or so so you could try putting her on the sand and let her try even if she hates it it cant hurt her!just give it time and patience.as for the sensory disorders ive heard brushing is good but i dont know anything about it my son hasnt got this condition so im only going on what i did.good luck
2007-07-06 14:05:38 · answer #3 · answered by pipa s 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a 2 year old daughter with special needs. She had also of sensory issues when she was younger. We found that continuing to expose her to things that she was afraid of really helped her to get over them. She used to be terrified of going to a store because of the lights and noise. We continued to take her on shopping trips in a stroller with a cover to block out some of the light and she did eventually get used to going. Now she rides in the cart and gets excited when we go shopping. My point is you have to find little ways to make it easier and less scary for them. However if you don't expose them to different things they never learn that they are o.k. and will remain scared. It's not easy but it will get better.
2007-07-06 14:21:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Get a big rubbermaid container and fill it with some dry beans or dry corn. Let her dump from cup to cup. Then move to maybe a bean/sand mix then all sand. Let her pour water in it and do whatever she wants. I hope that helps.
2007-07-06 14:02:24 · answer #5 · answered by Kel B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES! do it. My kids have a sensory dissorder and my son too is afraid of sand and dirt. My daughter has issues with other textures. that brushing works great!
2007-07-06 14:05:14 · answer #6 · answered by . 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just take her and sit her on the wet sand but not to close to the water. my son hates sand too
2007-07-06 14:13:15 · answer #7 · answered by kleighs mommy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Come on, just take her to the park and let her walk. If she wants you to hold her, tell her no, if she has to walk in it after a while she will realize that nothing bad will happen if she's touching it. If you pick her up every time how is she ever gonna get over the fear.
2007-07-06 14:08:07 · answer #8 · answered by johanne 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋