Let's Make a Sensory Bin for Breast Cancer Awareness

As probably everyone knows, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For us this year, during the month of October we had family actively undergoing a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. For my children, the unknown of everything caused some stress. In order to help deal with the stress, we leaned into learning about Breast Cancer and exploring some of it through play. As always our favorite way to play and learn is a sensory bin, this time for breast cancer awareness

Sensory Bin for Breast Cancer Awareness

Sensory bins are truly a fan favorite around here, they bring simple play, creativity, and sensory input. Knowing all of this, allows me to understand that they can also bring a sense of calm to my children. Usually, when I make a sensory bin, I allow my children to take full lead. I typically dump in the stuff to play and let them take over. This time though, I sat down with them. I dumped the supplies in and let them start to play. Instead of allowing them to take off in building or independently playing, I sat with them and we talked.

We talked all about Breast Cancer, we talked about our family member, we talked about doctors and hospitals. To start, I spent the time trying to explain things, but as time went on I allowed them to take the lead through asking questions. Were they stressed? What were they worried about? How could we better help them understand?

Creating Safe Environments

Something I try to remind myself that when my children are faced with things that are both outside of their control or even outside their realm of understanding, they truly lean on us. This was something I quickly recognized this month. I knew I needed to create a safe environment for them to process all their questions. Sometimes sitting and just chatting with children is hard. Instead create a safe place where they can fidget, wiggle, process, and play. This can truly support them in helping them to comfortably learn and process.