Understanding Our Kid's Sensory Needs
It is important to understand the value of being aware about sensory needs, because we all have them.
Consider the idea of rubbing you arm with sandpaper. Make you cringe or NBD?
This is a small example of how some of us simply have sensory preferences that could differ from another person---our kids are no different. Being aware of these preferences can help us make sense of our kids behaviors, our partner's behaviors and our own behaviors. I’m not an OT—-so not an expert in this space, but in my clinical and coaching work I tend to observe clients in being sensory seekers or sensory avoiders.
We each have own preferences in how we interact with the world around us.
Sensory seekers
…the kids that seem to always be on the go and into everything.
They jump, climb, spin, prefer loud noises, enjoy varied tastes and textures and just seem to be ready to take on the world.
These children will need and crave input when they are feeling dysregulated. It’s important to be proactive in setting up environments and activities that feed their need for input and variety. They also need help to practice in grounding skills to calm themselves.
Sensory avoiders
…are just the opposite. They can be viewed as sensitive, and particular. They like quiet time, are more mellow in their play, and avoid BIG interactions. They can get overwhelmed quicker than others.
As a parent, it helps to observe your child through the lens of their sensory needs.
Your quiet, timid, slow-to-warm kid may be giving you clues that they are overwhelmed.
Your sensory seeker may not be disobedient, they may being needing input.
(The fun comes in when you have one sensory seeker, and one sensory avoider---story of my life!)
There is power in being curious about our children’s behaviors! Here are some questions that can give us clues into our child’s preferences:
Does my child calm more when they are given space and quiet?
Does my child get “edgy” when there is a lot going on around them?
Do my child rock, swing, sway?
When tired, does my child get suddenly very active?
These clues all help you to empower your child in a way that builds up successes in their world!
I hope you find this helpful. I really, truly love unpacking these dynamics in parenting. If you are looking to have a fresh start in your parenting, I would love to talk about how we can work together!
Click the button below to schedule a time for us to chat.
Take a moment for yourself today,
Krista Haller LPC, PMH-C
I have been a mental health therapist for over a decade. Although my work has ranged from children to adults, my heart is working with mothers in early parenthood.
