WHEN TO USE IT
The Heavy Work Card is especially helpful when children’s emotions spill into their bodies. If your child is pacing, fidgeting, clenching their fists, or looks like they’re about to “burst,” these are cues that their nervous system is on high alert and needs safe ways to release energy.
WHAT THE CARD OFFERS
This card introduces three playful ways to use the body’s big muscles: carrying, jumping, and pushing or pulling. Carrying activities let children feel their own strength and sense of control, jumping provides a steady rhythm for releasing energy, and pushing or pulling offers strong, grounding feedback. Together, these activities make heavy work simple and practical to use at home or school.
WHY IT WORKS
Research in occupational therapy shows that heavy work provides what is called proprioceptive input—deep muscle and joint feedback that has a naturally calming effect on the nervous system (Pfeiffer et al., 2005). In simple terms, when children lift, push, or jump, the body sends signals to the brain that help it settle, reduce restlessness, and restore focus.
HOW PARENTS CAN USE IT
Because heavy work can be built into everyday life, it’s easy to support your child without special equipment. You might say: “Can you help carry these grocery bags?” or “Shall we see how many star jumps we can do together?” Small, purposeful bursts of heavy work give children the organizing input they need, helping them return to calm and confidence.
