Let’s talk about our little sensory babes!
It’s definitely a parenting buzz word, but what does supporting sensory needs actually mean, and how can we do it?
Sensory needs are simply that, needs or preferences related to ones senses. Could be touch, smell, taste, sound, sight, or proprioception (or how your body feels in space). Some people seek certain feelings, some avoid them. All of us have sensory preferences (I personally can’t eat strawberries because if the seeds and hate the feel of velvet), but some folks have stronger preferences than others. When these preferences get in the way of daily activities and routines, then you may want to look for extra support.
For kiddos, that could like lots of different things. They could hate tags in their clothing, refuse to enter a busy or loud restaurant, or not eat anything crunchy. They could love to run and crash into things.
So what can we do to help our kiddos not let their preferences get in the way of the day to day?
Expose them to lots of different sensory experiences. That means different textures, sound levels, movements, smells, and environments. The more they practice, the easier it will be!
Encourage crawling when they’re young. It’s so easy to get really excited when your baby starts to walk, especially if it’s early! But try not to let them skip crawling- it gets their hands used to touching different things and let’s them practice loving their body in a new way.
If they don’t like something, don’t give up! Don’t force the issue, but maybe try again another day. They may hate the feel of play doh the first time they touch it, but then love it the fifth time. New things take time!
Give a heads up if your going somewhere with things you know trigger them. Going somewhere with lots of noise? Let them know, and tell them you are there to hold their hand (give hugs, whatever!) if they need it.
Maybe you’ve tried these things, but you’re little one is still having a hard time. Give me a call or email me! There’s some simple tricks you can do to help, or I can help you figure out if you may need some more targeted supports.
Do you have any sensory preferences that you are your kiddos picking up? Am I the only one who won’t eat raspberries because they have tiny hairs?!?
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