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Overstimulation in Children - What Is It and How Do I Deal With It
By Tess Daems - Master in child psychology
HELP, my kindje is overstimulated
Something where} all parents for once at my wits' end sit` a day out school, a day out or a party. Overstimulation? Help!
What is that, Overstimulation?
To be able to help a child who is overstimulated Peace again to find, it is important om to know how sensory processing works in young children.
Some theoretical information: Sensory processing is the way in which ons nervous system information of our senses receivet, Processt, filtert and interpreterert. In adults, this sensory processing takes place Usually automatically, but the brain of a childhonor are not yet sufficiently developed to always bring this process to a successful conclusion, which can lead to overstimulation.
In short: Overstimulation occurs when children (or adults) the many impressions and stimuli of a day are no longer processed or filterd receives.
But how do I know when my child is overstimulated?
Not every overstimulated child shows this in the same way. Some children become very loud and hyper, while other children become דווקא enormous calm and keep to themselves.
Yet there are certaine signalen that can ring alarm bells:
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Your baby keeps crying for something small en insignificant (see it as the final straw that a makes the bucket overflow)
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Hyper-sensitivity to light, sound, touch, ...
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Separate yourself from the hustle and bustle, find a quiet spot, or stare into space without responding
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Very busy behaviour, shouting, difficulty standing still or sitting, throwing things, ...
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Clownish behavior (in an exaggerated, crazy way respond)
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Difficult to connect with the child, both when they are withdrawn and when they lapse into hyperactive behavior – it’s like talking to a wall
Wate kan I to do to my to help the little onen?
Children who are overstimulated do not necessarily have silence en as few stimuli as possible ` There are many standard tips that help your child with this. Proximity, show understanding, distracting, enough rest and sleep, clarity and structure..., all kinds of things that can help!
Twe also hear from many mums and dads that their little one still has a hard time after a day at school or a busy activity. And parents naturally like concrete tools. We can help with that!
WATER
Water has a very regulating effect. Both drinking a glass of water and playing with water help. Our toys from Viking Toys is truly a hit. Is the weather not ideal again to play outside with water? Let your little one play in the sink with water, foam en cups. The wet kitchen and the cleanup, we'll take care of that later. Prefer less cleanup after all: a bath with some fun toys from Moes Play also works wonders.
NATURE
That nature is a calming factor, we have all already once may experience. It's the same for little children. Go outside, have a piece of fruit eten or read a little story aloud on the grass. Dance and sing so loudly that the neighbours want to join in. Benoem in turn all colors and objects you see in the garden. Go together bPick up leaves and pine cones in the forest, feel whether something is hard or soft, wet or dry is. Collect insects with the cool insect jar from Little Dutch. Walk, cycle, jump, roll. And the my son's personal favoritetje`: playing with mud and sand`, even in the rain!
SENSORY TOYS
For children who quickly become overstimulated, can sensory toys also have a calming effect. Read all about it in our blog on sensory toys.
PS, these tips also work for overstimulated adults :-)
Conclusion
Every child is different and responds differently to a overload to stimuli and experiences. Some children becomeand very busy, other children seek out peace and quiet. As a parent, you can in different ways help to the stimuluss in your baby's little head to process and filter. Let them ` en hear. And enjoy a nice calming One moment together!
By Tess Daems - Master's in child psychology
