Getting Ready for Summer
As the doldrums of winter melt away, and days become longer, we find ourselves daydreaming about summer sun, free time 
[1]and fun. Along with our winter coats, we shed the academic stress and teacher expectations and let our creative sides shine and feel the boost of energetic emotion. Sand is synonymous with summer. Even if the temperature outside isn’t yet high enough for flip flops on the beach; kids can explore sand on their hands with the Sand Artist Kits from Creative Adventures. These are great projects to do inside and children love the sensory aspects of working with sand. Kits are geared to appeal to a range of abilities and the finished pieces will be sure to boost self-esteem, feed the inner artist, and allow any child to feel creative and accomplished. Summer is a time to enjoy a slower pace. Sleep late, relax and spend time with family. But you don’t want to lose sight of school friends you may not see as regularly.
My Image Bracelet Maker
[2]My Image Bracelet Maker [3] by Choose Friendship Company may be just the trick to keep friends close at hand. These bracelets can be personalized with clipart or your own pictures. Before school gets out, take pictures of your friends so you have them to adorn your bracelet and keep you company through the summer.
[4]As the school year winds down and kids gear up for summer, their emotions may ride that roller coaster of changing daily routines, having more down time to fill and planning different activities than what they 
[5]are accustomed to. Kimochis [6] plush characters and feeling pillows offer an easy, comfortable and secure way for a child to learn some self-reflective skills and begin to identify and understand inner emotions.
Reviewed by Ellen Metrick
Emotions Putty Set
[7]Emotions Putty takes sensory therapy to a whole new level of fun, and reduces stress too. Squeeze the Calm Emotions Putty and the color change from purple to blue, encouraging kids to manipulate, twist and pull. The cool colors soothe, and the transformation encourages repeat play. Sparkly, shiny and irresistible, our Energize Emotions Putty engages kids who have low tone, delayed responsive or sensory under responsive. Gluten, casein, latex and soy free. Not for mouth or chewing. Safety-tested. CPSIA compliant. 3 oz. travel tin. Age 3+.
Price: $10.49
Amazon.com [9]
Chewy Pencil Toppers
Left brain and right brain thinkers agree that our fabulous Chewy Pencil Toppers help concentration and relaxation. The pencil 
[10]topper doubles as a fidget toy and provides some awesome chewing. Chewing provides deep sensory input, increases attention span, and reduces anxiety. Safe for teeth and provides a buffer from the pencil. Fits any number 2 pencil. Variety pack with 3 toppers in assorted colors. For aggressive chewers. Age 4+.
Price: $12.99
Squease Inflatable Compression Vest
[12]Could your kid use a big SQUEEZE? If your child benefits from deep pressure and loves a good hug, then yes. Our exclusive, Squease Inflatable Compression Vest provides the same calming sensory input as our best-selling weighted vests – but is light as air (because it’s filled with air!) The Squease Vest provides adjustable pressure kids can control themselves, offering proprioceptive input for focus and learning. Perfect for children on the autism spectrum, with sensory processing disorder, or hyperactivity. Available in 3 sizes, Ages 5-teens.
Starting at: $349.99
Scooter with Handles
Kids scoot as they work on gross motor skills, increasing arm strength and motor planning. Contoured handles help children
[14] grip this sturdy plastic 16” scooter and the generous size supports a full range of activities. Use in a sitting, kneeling or prone position to develop core strength as well as upper and lower extremities. Race, scoot through an obstacle course or just swivel around to work on balance and motor planning. Nonmarring plastic swivel casters. Age 3+.
Price: $19.99
Amazon.com [16]
Helpful Books for Parents of Children with Special Needs
The Spark: A Story of Nurturing Genius
[17]by Kristine
Barnett Random House Publishing Group
Kristine Barnett’s son, Jacob, has an IQ higher than Einstein’s, a photographic memory, and he taught himself calculus in two weeks. At nine he started working on an original theory in astrophysics that experts believe may someday put him in line for a Nobel Prize. And, at age 12, he became a paid researcher in quantum physics. But the story of Kristine’s journey with Jake is all the more remarkable because his extraordinary mind was almost lost to autism.
Goodreads.com [18]
Thriftbooks.com [19]
Amazon.com [20]
Real Smart Baby Food
[21]by Lisa Barrangou Ph.D.
Real Food Doctor Press
Real Smart Baby Food is a comprehensive guide containing everything you need to know about feeding baby. There is a unique strategy to create 3-months worth of delicious, nutritious baby food in 3 one-hour blocks of time. Who wouldn’t want to have a 3-month supply of premium homemade baby food purées at their fingertips, with the tools to effortlessly combine those purées into flavorful, fun meals?
Goodreads.com [22]
Thriftbooks.com [23]
Amazon.com [24]
Do you have a product you would like to share with our readers? Please fill our form describing your product. We are happy to review your product. Visit https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/submit/product/ [25] for the form.
Read More Products You Can Use [26]
Helpful Articles
- Think Camp Yes, You Can Send Your Child to Camp [27]
- How to Plan a Safe and Fun Summer (Part 2) [28]
- Summer Preparation: 8 Steps [29]
- Searching for the Right Summer Camp! [30]
- Seven Questions Parents Should Ask When Choosing a Camp [31]
- Summer Camp Organization [32]
- Relationship Rescue: Sleep Away Camp: Is your child ready? [33]
- Summer Camps [34]
- 5 Special Camps [35]
- Cooking with Kids: Campfire Banana Boats at Home [36]
- Top 10 Fun and Accessible Activities to Do This Summer [37]
- Summer Travel & Outdoor Fun with Apps [38]
This post originally appeared on our March/April 2014 Magazine [39]