Stress Balls For Kids You Can Make Yourself

Stress balls or calm down balls are awesome for adults and kids alike. We loved our Halloween stress balls and thought we would make some homemade stress balls to use anytime of the year. Easy to make with inexpensive everyday supplies! We love do-able sensory activities for kids!

HOW TO MAKE STRESS BALLS

DO STRESS BALLS HELP CHILDREN?

Stress balls are fun to play with and so easy to make as well. Awesome filled sensory balls that you can make for home, school or even as a stress ball for work. They are surprisingly tough and can take a good squeeze.

Tactile activities are all about touch! Wet or dry, cold or hot, vibrations and sensations. One reason we love sensory bins for younger kids. Some children do not like to feel everything and some materials they may even refuse to touch. They prefer to avoid anything messy or that feels different (my son)The fingertips are powerful sensors and the skin is the largest organ of the body!

However, all children like to explore, discover and experiment with their surroundings and sensory play does just that. Remember never push or force a child to do something that is making him or her feel uncomfortable as it will not necessarily help.

So do stress balls actually do anything? These homemade stress balls below allow even the biggest avoider (my son) to try out new textures within the safety of the balloon shell! Your kids can try new tactile experiences without the messiness. An easy DIY sensory toy to add to your own homemade calm down kit.

Stress balls are also a great way of refocusing kids who are feeling anxious. Especially when combined with another activity like mindful breathing. A squishy stress ball can also be helpful for high energy kids who need appropriate ways to keep their hands busy during quiet times.

HOMEMADE STRESS BALLS

This stress ball recipe makes two good sized squishy stress balls. Want to introduce more textures to your kiddos? Check out our a list of other sensory fillers you can use to make your stress balls.

SUPPLIES:

2 balloons
1 cup flour
Ribbon
Funnel

HOW TO MAKE A STRESS BALL

STEP 1. Blow air into the balloon and secure it around the end of the funnel.

STEP 2. Hold the balloon in place around the end of the funnel and start slowly pouring the flour into the funnel. Use your fingers to press the flour down into the balloon, softly shaking the funnel to loosen the flour.

STEP 3. Continue adding flour to the balloon until it is filled, then remove the funnel. Tie a knot in the top of the balloon and decorate with a bow using the ribbon.