Helping your child balance, move, and focus
π§ What Is the Vestibular System?
The vestibular system helps us:
- Know where our body is in space
- Maintain balance and posture
- Coordinate movement and muscle tone
- Support vision, hearing, attention, and learning
π Located in the inner ear, it activates when the head moves or changes position.
π© Signs of Vestibular Difficulties
- Poor balance or frequent clumsiness
- Trouble coordinating arms and legs
- Difficulty using both hands together
- Falls without trying to catch themselves
- Fear of feet leaving the ground (e.g., swings, slides)
- High activity level, difficulty focusing
- Poor auditory processing (trouble following directions)
π― Goals of Vestibular Activities
- Improve balance and coordination
- Increase confidence on playgrounds
- Support focus and attention
- Enhance auditory processing
- Strengthen eye-hand coordination
π Vestibular Activities to Try
π‘ At Home
- Rock in a rocking chair or rocking horse
- Roll up in a blanket and unroll quickly
- Bounce on a Hippity Hop ball
- Jump and roll on soft surfaces
- Play βsandwich gamesβ with cushions or beanbags
ποΈ Outdoors & Playground
- Swing (with therapist-recommended swings)
- Slide, climb, or spin on playground equipment
- Ride scooters or bikes on flat and hilly surfaces
- Log roll down a hill
- Roller-skate uphill
- Jump or climb in inner tubes
πββοΈ Water & Movement
- Swimming and diving for weighted toys
- Trampoline games
- Gymnastics or tumbling
- Jump rope and rope games
- Scooter board rides and races
Β© 2026 Kids at Play Therapy. All rights reserved.