"brain rest" activity suggestions
 

Any good suggestions for activities that are restful for my eight year old daughter experiencing PCS?
Many thanks!

Listen to a guided relaxation (lots of free podcasts are available)
Deep breathing exercises (google "deep breathing exercises for kids" for activity ideas)
Go for a slow, easy walk with a friend or family member
Paint nails (or have nails painted)
Listen to Nature Sounds - waves, rain falling, etc.
Play with Playdoh
Color
Finger paint
Take pictures with a digital camera (photo scavenger hunt?)
Make a gratitude scrapbook
Any easy, relaxing craft activity - there are lots of kits at Target, Walmart, JoAnns, Michaels, etc.
Take a Bubble Bath
Take a Nap
Snuggle with a family member or pet
Talk to a friend on the phone
Taste Exotic Fruits
Smell Herbs, Potpourri, Scented Candles, different kinds of perfume
Smell & Eat Oranges
Have Hair Petted, Combed, Brushed, or Braided
Have Back Scratched or rubbed
Play in a sandbox
Play in a water table
Color, cut out, and play with paper dolls
Lie in the grass and watch cloud shapes
Draw with sidewalk chalk

kjmommy,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear about your daughter's injury.

My suggestion for activities are just about anything she can do with her hands. Learning to knit or crochet, painting, coloring, brushing a pet, crafts, rug hooking, and any kind of craft that does not need serious cognitive thought to understand. Playing card games that do not require memory challenges can be good.

The focus is two things. Low cognitive and memory challenges and slow process or movement. Limited visual and audio stimulation is also important.

If she is going to sit quietly, it can be calming if she has something soft for her hands. A soft plush stuffed animal can be soothing. If she is fidgety, try to find soft clothes for her to wear. She may struggle with very minor tactile sensations like a collar tag.

Helping her reduce any kind of stimulation, whether visual, audio, or tactile will help her relax and heal.

If she has any specific symptoms, let us know. There are lots of good ideas hear.

My best to you.