For children with sensory-processing disorder, everyday activities and movements can be a struggle. Children can have trouble handling large tasks like physical activities and also small tasks like fine motor skills. One of the best treatment options for children with sensory-processing disorder (SPD) is daily play and interaction. There are multiple ways for parents to do this, including a variety of crafts and art projects. It may sound odd, but poppy seeds can actually be used in a variety of ways to help treat and soothe children with SPD. By purchasing bulk packages of poppy seeds, you will have plenty of seeds to work with for the following three activities.

Poppy-Seed Recipes

One of the more obvious uses of poppy seeds in a variety of recipes and meals. The seeds can add a lot of textures to foods and help create a variety of options for children to enjoy. While making the recipes, children can cope with their disorder by handling the seeds, using mixing bowls, and gaining experience with a variety of cooking tools. Exposure to hot oven temperatures or cold freezers can also help the children cope with SPD problems.

For main meals, poppy seeds can be used in a variety of ways. A thin layer of butter can be added to the top of hamburger or hot-dog buns. Then the poppy seeds can be applied and baked slightly for a few minutes. This helps add a nice texture to the buns. Poppy seeds can also be added to healthy meals like soups and salads. If a child is making a homemade salad dressing, the seeds can easily be added for some extra texture.

Poppy seeds are also commonly added to dessert. Children can help bake cookies, cakes, and muffins. Mixing the dessert batter is a great way to train muscles and help a child learn to control their body. The more they handle the small and delicate poppy seeds, the more they can get used to the textures and design elements.

Poppy-Seed Soap-Making

Making homemade soap is a popular children's craft that can also be used to help with SPD. Soaps have a number of different scents and textures that can impact children with SPD. Using soap-making is a good form of therapy that can help them get used to the smells and feelings that soap gives. A number of craft stores sell small cubes that can be melted down and turned into soap bars. As you create soap bars with your child, adding poppy seeds can enhance the texture and visual design. A number of homemade soaps feature poppy seeds. The texture can help exfoliate and provide a gentle massage to the skin. The seeds are so small that they can easily go down the drain of a shower without any worries.

After children have finished creating soap bars, they can use them while bathing. The different textures of the seeds can help massage their skin and get them used to different sensitivities caused by SPD. By making their own soap bars, children may be more encouraged to try them out and help get past the SPD symptoms.

Poppy-Seed Bird Feeders

Poppy seeds are not just great for human consumption. Poppy seeds are also commonly found in a number of bird-seed mixes. You and your child can make your own bird feeder by simply using some poppy seeds and peanut butter. Multiple materials can be used as the base of the bird feeder. This includes toilet-paper rolls or pine cones. Your child can use small utensils to apply peanut butter to the base of the feeder. This is an ideal way to encourage the development of fine motor skills. Once the peanut butter is applied, poppy seeds can be sprinkled on and pressed into the bird feeder. The craft is a great way to cope with SPD and has a number of options for children to decorate with.

Ordering bulk quantities of poppy seeds from a company like Sincerely Nuts can ensure that you have plenty available for a variety of cooking and craft projects. By planning out activities on a weekly or daily basis, you can have plenty of options for helping your child with their SPD.