How can sensory activities calm an anxious or overwhelmed child? 

Parenting Perspective 

Using Calming Sensory Breaks 

Sensory activities can be both gentle and powerful tools to help calm a child who feels worried, stressed or overexcited, especially when studying at home. If you see signs that your child is becoming overwhelmed, like fidgeting, crying or shouting in frustration, pause the lesson and offer a calming sensory break instead. 

Comfort Through Touch and Movement 

Some children find comfort through touch. A soft weighted blanket, squishy stress ball or gentle play with dough can help them feel grounded. Other children reset through movement. Let them bounce on a mini trampoline, swing or do simple stretches to release energy. 

The Power of Water Play 

Water play can work wonders too. Let your child run their hands under warm water or swirl bubbles in a bowl for a few minutes. Keep simple sensory tools nearby so your child knows they can take a break when big feelings build up. 

Most importantly, stay calm yourself. Your gentle tone and steady presence will reassure your child that it is safe to pause and breathe. Over time, these small actions help your child learn that big emotions do not need to be feared or punished, they can be managed gently. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam reminds us that our emotions are part of our fitrah, our natural state, and handling them with patience and mercy is an act of worship. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Ar-Ra’d (13), Verse 28: 

‘Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest. ‘

This Ayah reminds us that true calmness comes when the heart feels secure and connected to its Creator. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2609a, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The strong person is not the one who throws his adversaries to the ground. The strong person is he who controls himself when he is angry. ‘

Explain to your child that using sensory breaks is not weakness, it is strength to know how to calm down and find peace again. Teach them a simple Dua during these moments: O Allah, calm my heart and make my mind peaceful. Keep short reminders around your home: an Ayah or a Hadith near the study area can reassure a worried mind. By pairing sensory tools with gentle spiritual reminders, your child learns that feeling anxious is not wrong, it is part of being human, and that Allah Almighty has given them ways to manage these feelings with kindness, Sabr, and hope, InshaAllah.