I’m part of the Amazon Affiliate program, which means that when I recommend products here, I may earn a small commission (honestly, pennies… but every cent counts!) if you choose to purchase them through my links—at no extra cost to you. This page will be a curated space where I share my favorite tools, books, and resources that I genuinely use and love.
My Favorite Books:
The Connected Child by Karyn Purvis and David Cross
I have purchased this book multiple times read it and given it to a friend or family member. It is so helpful for any one who loves a child or teen “from a hard place”. It is the book that I have recommended the most to clients and friends alike. It’s not just for parents who foster and adopt. It honestly give really good strategies for anyone who cares for children. Click the book or the link here to view it on Amazon!
Noise Cancelling Headphones
I have these Loop earbuds and I love them. They really do work to bring down the noise level without preventing me from hearing everything I need to hear. So helpful when the kids are being kids and making lots of noise (looking at you toy instruments!) I can still hear and understand people speaking around me, it just brings the volume level down, so I don’t get quite so overwhelmed or sensory overloaded. In fact, I am wearing them in the coffee shop as I write this. I can hear the conversations around me, the music (words and all) playing, and the show that my toddler is giggling at next to me, but I don’t feel bombarded with noise like I do sometimes. I can still hear myself think. I recommend these to moms all the time. So helpful! Also, today I learned that they have some sized for kids too! Those can be found here, or by clicking the next image.
Sensory Tools:
Calm Strips, like these are something I give to many of my clients. They are textured stickers that you can put wherever you or your kiddo may need a little bit of sensory support or grounding. I have one on the back of my phone case and one on my laptop. They can be stuck to tables, desks, or the back of a school ID. They are just something to give you a little tactile input to help ground and regulate. This pack pictured here also has some with other coping tool reminders, like breathing exercises and a feelings wheel. I love mine and find myself using them often.
Chewing gum can be a powerful tool for helping kids (and adults) regulate. The rhythmic chewing provides oral sensory input that calms the nervous system, supports focus, and can reduce stress. Offering gum is a proactive, nurturing strategy that helps children meet their own sensory needs in a safe and empowering way — supporting connection and co-regulation. In my office I almost always have bubble gum, my clients know that all they have to do is use good asking words and the answer is always “yes!” Parents, if homework time is a struggle, try offering a big wad of bubble gum to your kiddo for them to chew. You will very likely notice they are more able to focus and remain regulated while tackling homework. Similar to this, minty/spicy or sour flavors are alerting to the brain and body. If you or your kiddo needs an “alerting boost” try a flavor like cinnamon, mint, or sour apple.
Crash pads, like this one can be an excellent addition to your child’s space. Crash pads are an excellent TBRI® sensory strategy because they give children safe, heavy-impact input that helps their bodies feel grounded and regulated. Jumping, crashing, and rolling into a crash pad provides proprioceptive input — deep pressure sensations that calm the nervous system, organize the brain, and release stored-up energy. This kind of play is especially helpful for children who are dysregulated, wiggly, or seeking big movement. Offering a crash pad is a way to meet a sensory need proactively and nurture connection by showing, “I see what your body needs, and here’s a safe way to do it.” Additionally, they double as a great pallet for family movie night, or “camping in the living room”
I don’t have a crash pad yet, but when I buy one, this will be the one I purchase.
Joyfully Rooted Counseling & Consulting, LLC 