Proprioceptive Activities at Home - Starring Household Furniture That Wants a New Career

Why Proprioception Matters (and Why Your Couch Is Volunteering)

Proprioception is our built-in “GPS” that tells the body where it is in space. When kids crave extra input, they bounce, crash, lift, and squeeze anything within reach - usually the stuff we’d rather keep intact. Good news: you can channel that energy with proprioceptive activities at home using furniture you already own (no Pinterest-perfect jungle gym required).

Safety First, Fun Always

Clear the crash-zone of hard toys, coffee mugs, and unsuspecting cats.

Use non-slip mats or carpets under anything that might scoot.

Supervise littlies and set ground rules (“feet first” saves noses).

The Couch Crash Pad

What it does: Heavy work + deep pressure

How-to:

Pull all the cushions onto the floor in a pile.

Let kids jump, belly-flop, or cannonball into the “cushion mountain.”

For extra oomph, hide weighted plush toys under the top layer.

Dining-Chair Tug-o-Train

What it does: Upper-body resistance, motor planning

How-to:

Line up sturdy chairs to form a “train.”

Have your child pull or push the entire row across the room.

Add stuffed passengers for more weight (bonus imaginative play).

Broomstick Balance Beam

What it does: Core strength, balance, body awareness

How-to:

Lay a broomstick or mop handle on the floor.

Challenge kids to “tightrope walk” heel-to-toe from one end to the other.

Level-up: carry a beanbag on their head or do it backward.

Mattress Slide & Squeeze

What it does: Whole-body heavy work, deep pressure

How-to:

Prop a spare mattress or trundle against a couch at a gentle angle.

Kids climb up the back and slide down on their tummies.

Finish with a big bear-hug squeeze between two standing mattresses (parent-powered).

Body Sock Sensory Obstacle Dash

What it does: Full-body compression + proprioceptive feedback

How-to:

Slip your child into a body sock or sleeping bag.

Create a mini course: crawl under the dining table, push a laundry basket, crash into cushion stack.

Time their laps or add superhero music for cinematic flair.

Laundry Basket Deadlift Derby

What it does: Heavy lifting, bilateral coordination

How-to:

Fill a basket with rolled towels (adjust weight to child’s strength).

Mark two tape lines: start and finish.

Kids deadlift, carry, and empty the basket; quickest time wins.

“Plank-et” Fort Push-Ups

What it does: Shoulder stability, core strength

How-to:

Drape a blanket over a low coffee table to make a cave.

Kids hold plank with hands inside cave, feet outside—pretend they’re keeping the fort from collapsing.

Count how long they can “save the day.”

Quick-Fire Calming Finishers

Wall Push-Offs: Stand arms-length from wall, do slow push-ups.

Sofa Wall Sits: Lean back against the couch, slide to 90°, hold.

Pillow Roll-Ups: Roll your child tightly in a doona burrito for deep pressure.

Wrap-Up (Before Your Lounge Suite Sends a Union Rep)

With a little creativity (and sturdy furniture), you can turn everyday objects into powerhouse proprioceptive activities at home - no fancy gear, just lots of giggles and regulation. Pair these with a quick session in a body sock for a double dose of calm-inducing input, then kick back and enjoy the after-play snuggles.