Instructions

Using a few clean socks, place various natural objects inside each — a stick, twig, or leaf all work well. Encourage your child to feel the outside of the sock and describe what's inside. Then let them reach their hand in and feel for what’s inside. Ask them questions about it before they pull out the object. Once it’s out of the bag, allow your child to smell it, run it along different parts of their body and talk to them while doing this.

The Science

This exercise stimulates your child's natural curiosity, and helps to shape a more mindful brain. By slowly engaging their sense of touch and smell, children are strengthening their sensory processing. Over time, this can help your little one patiently notice and observe the world around them, rather than make quick judgments about their everyday experiences.