When our body takes in stimuli from the environment, which it does continuously, it accesses stored information from memory. Certain bits of stimuli trigger certain memories. The smell of chicken cutlets always brings me back to my grandmother’s kitchen in Rutherford, New Jersey. Just the smell triggers images of my grandmother’s face, the softness of her hands, the layout of the table and the excitement I felt when seeing the incredible spread of food. This associative memory, which cues my brain to access pleasant information, can be used in a more functional way as well.
Think about your child and some of the things that make him happy, help him settle his body down, or help him get out his energy. Using the concept of this mental process, how can you create a home environment that supports your child in a way that helps him access experiences that lead to regulation? One example might be to post pictures of a swing or trampoline on the bathroom door. Much like a post-it on your work desk reminding you to return a call, this image will cue your child to go outside and release some energy. Maybe a picture of your child’s favorite quiet space to read/play games/ or rest can be posted in the hallway to remind her that she has a place to take space if she is feeling overwhelmed or just needs some alone time. A familiar CD playing in the background can cue the start of choice time in the afternoons. Music is also rhythmic – naturally providing the listener with a rhythm they can follow/regulate their body to. This can help your child settle into the after school routine with a sense of calm and a feeling of predictability. Using these functional sensory cues, we are reminded of what brings us pleasure or calm.

Example that I use in my own life:
Every week, I put a new picture of something beautiful in nature on my computer desktop. This reminds me to get out and hike, walk, ride, and experience nature (especially when I’m feeling low).