If you’ve ever visited a place like New York City, you know how overwhelming it can be to stand in the middle of a big city filled with bright lights, blaring sirens and crowds no matter where you turn.
It’s a lot to take in.
That same feeling of overwhelm is what your child experiences when they’re experiencing sensory overload. And it can happen in a grocery store, a classroom, a family gathering, at church or even at home during everyday routines. When left unaddressed, sensory overload in children can leave your son or daughter feeling helpless, disoriented, and unsure of what to do next.
This is article #3 in an 8-part series entitled Compassionate Parenting. If you missed the first article, go back and read it here.
What is sensory overload in kids?
Sensory overload in a child occurs when their brain receives more input than can be processed. Children who have experienced trauma have a lower threshold before becoming overloaded because their brains are more sensitive to perceived stressors that can send them into survival mode.
Likewise, children struggling with anxiety or sensory processing disorders can reach a state of overstimulation quickly and unexpectedly. And just like the bright lights of a big city, the overwhelm blindsides them.
Overstimulation can happen when a child’s nervous system is taking in more input than it can process at one time. This can come from sensory, environmental, or emotional demands such as:
- Loud noise.
- Crowded spaces.
- Bright lights.
- Unexpected/unwanted touch.
How can you tell if your child is overstimulated?
At first, being able to tell if your child is overstimulated can be challenging. That’s because most kids won’t tell you they’re overstimulated — they don’t have the vocabulary for it.
With practice and attunement, you can begin to take on the role of a “detective,” noticing the patterns and cues that signal your child is becoming overwhelmed.
Some common cues of overstimulation in kids may include :
- Covering their ears or eyes to shut out some of the noise.
- Melting down or shutting down to protect their brain.
- Becoming irritable, clingy or frantic, regressing to earlier behaviors.
- Running away or hiding in a subconscious attempt to keep themselves safe.
These behaviors are not intentional misbehavior — they are signals that your child’s brain and body are struggling to process what’s happening around them.
God created each child uniquely (Psalm 139:14), and their responses may reflect that individuality.
How to Soothe an Overstimulated Brain
Children who have experienced trauma may become overwhelmed more quickly because their nervous systems are working hard to stay safe.
You cannot always prevent sensory overload, but you can become a place of refuge (Psalm 46:1) for your child.
Here are five simple ways to soothe an overstimulated brain:
- Reduce potential stimulators. Dim the lights, lower the noise on any loud TVs or phones, allow your child to step outside or offer them headphones or a weighted blanket for comfort.
- Create a “calm” corner. A soft, quiet space prepared in advance can become a sanctuary for the child’s nervous system. This is a place of restoration for your child, not a place of punishment.
- Use simple grounding techniques. Simple tools like offering them a drink of water or holding and rocking your child, if age appropriate, or deep breathing can help soothe an overstimulated brain.
- Stay calm and regulated. Keep your instructions short and simple, use a calm, quiet voice, move gently, and talk about the episode later or after, not during.
- Build predictable routines. Predictable routines help prevent sensory “surprises.” Proactively communicate changes in schedules and routines to your child
KEY TAKEAWAY
By recognizing the signs of overstimulation, reducing stressors, and responding with calm and consistency, you help your child regulate in the moment while also building their capacity to handle more over time.
ACTIVITY
Use a game like Tornado Tidy-Up to help your child learn how Jesus calms the storms inside us. Find this game and more in the Everyday Moments™ activity collection.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
- What causes my child to experience sensory overload?
- How can I help soothe my child’s brain when it’s overstimulated?
KEY VERSE
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” ~ Psalm 32:8 (NLT)
PRAYER
Lord, give me Your calm when the world feels too loud. Give me Your patience when my child’s reactions feel bigger than I expected. In Jesus’ name, amen.
