Calm your child with this soothing, silly game–the burrito roll. I learned this technique from an occupational therapist. They use it with children with sensory integration challenges, among others, but it works really well for most young children. I used it often in my classroom, especially in my 3-year-old classes. I’ve used it with children from age 2 through 6. And almost all of them really love it.
What does it do?
Did you ever swaddle your little one when they were a baby? It’s quite soothing. This game has the same idea–but since it’s a game, it’s more fun for both child and adult.
I find that it soothes me as well as the child. I don’t know about you, but when I’m around little ones who are out of themselves, it tends to pull me out, too. Playing a game relaxes all of us.
I do suggest doing this for the first time when your little one is in a playful mood or when they are wanting some attention from you. Once they know what it is, it will probably be really fun. But start something new in the middle of losing it–probably not a good idea.
When I did it in my classroom, I often started with a child who was calm or just wanted some attention from me.
Burrito roll–the video
If you just watch the video: Please note! I forgot to mention this in the video, but when you massage your child in the burrito roll, always use a FIRM TOUCH. A light touch may be irritating or tickly and may have the opposite effect–stirring them up rather than calming them.
What materials do you need for this activity?
All you need is a blanket, sheet, or play cloth that’s big enough to roll your child up in. It should at least be wide enough to go from your child’s shoulder to the bottom of their feet. It’s ok if it’s wider than that. And it should be long enough to wrap around them at least 2 or 3 times.
Besides that, all you need is enough floor space to lay it (the cloth, that is) out flat.
Some people also use a pillow under the child’s head. I never did, but I always did the burrito roll on a carpeted floor.
How to do the burrito roll–
- Lay the cloth flat on the floor.
- Have your child lay down close to one end–or lay them down–arms by their side or crossed over their chest.
- Roll your child up firmly, as if you’re swaddling a baby–making sure to not wrap the cloth around their neck or cover their face. Wrap their arms inside, but If they want their arms out–just let it be.
- Once they’re wrapped, start adding the toppings. Yes, I know that you don’t really add toppings to a rolled up burrito, but just play along! They can tell you what toppings they want, or other children can make suggestions, or you can choose for yourself. Add as many toppings as you want–and don’t limit yourself to what you’d really want to eat. Add chocolate sauce, bananas, grated cheese, leaf mold, crunchy stones– anything you or they can think of. As you add the ingredients, touch the child firmly with different gestures for different toppings. You get extra points for silly noises to go with the sound effects.
- To finish: When the child is done (or you are) pretend to eat your burrito–still avoid tickling, though. I always touch with my hands while making num-num sounds. (Your child may be done and just get up and leave–that’s fine, too)
- You can unwrap them or let them unwrap themselves. They may do this before you are finished–and that’s fine.
Burrito roll variations
If you prefer, you can make up your own story about why you’re doing the rolling. Some people tell a story of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, which works well.
For me, the burrito and toppings is more fun and engaging for the children. But that’s at least partly because it’s fun for me, too. Trust your own inner guidance on this one or just play around with it and see what happen.
Last but not least
If you are having challenges with your child–they’re going wild or just out of themselves–first of all, that’s not unusual for little ones. If you think it might be something out of the ordinary, talk to your doctor or a trusted friend.
Otherwise, the burrito roll can be really helpful. But it’s also useful to look at the bigger picture. Are you trying to do too many things or is your life unpredictable for your little ones. Look for ways you can bring more rhythm into your days. Here’s a post I wrote about the importance of rhythm.
Also, if you haven’t yet, read the book Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne. I wrote about Simplicity Parenting here (for one–I tend to write and talk about it a lot!).
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Give this one a try–and let me know how it goes or if you have any questions.
xoxo
