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Parenting a child who struggles with sensory processing disorder can be quite the rollercoaster ride with all the ups and downs. One minute your child may be overwhelmed by a noisy environment and the next minute they are spinning in circles stimming with happiness.
Co-regulation is such an important valuable tool that will help you and your child so much through the challenging times. Co-regulation is beneficial for all children but much more important for children who have sensory processing disorder. Co-regulation will help you build a supportive relationship with your child. Co-regulation is when you and your child are finding your calm together.
Co-regulation is usually when a parent and their child are being calm and regulating their emotions together. When you co-regulate you respond to each other's emotions and create a space for you both to feel supported.
Children who have sensory processing differences struggle to self-regulate and this can lead to them feeling overwhelming emotions which can cause your child to have challenging behaviors. Co-regulation can help learn to map your child manage their emotions and sensory overload.
A parent's calm presence will be a safe space for their child. This allows the child to feel safe when they are exploring their feelings. When your child is feeling overwhelmed, you should validate their feelings. Validating your child's feelings will help your child feel like they are not alone and understood.
When you understand your child's sensory differences you can help them by providing them with calming or stimulating sensory input. You can offer them a sensory tool that they need in that moment to help regulate themselves. It is important to develop a consistent routine for your child and strategies that can help your child anticipate and prepare for challenging situations.
There are many different co-regulation techniques that you could do with your child. You could give them a hug or a deep pressure massage to help regulate your child's nervous system. Practicing mindful breathing together can be calming and relaxing for your child too. Fill their sensory diet each day because this will help them stay regulated.
Movement sensory activities like swinging can help release some of your child's extra energy that they may have. Engage in sensory activities with your child like playing with play dough or listening to calming music.
Co-regulation ideas For Children & Parents
Sensory activities Offer deep pressure Nature walk together Calming low voice Use supportive words Stay close but give them space Positive self-talk Stay calm and be comforting Read or color Model deep breathing Listen to calming music Talk about feelings
There are a lot of benefits when co-regulating with your child. I wish I would have known more about co-regulation when my children were younger. Co-regulation can help a child improve and develop their own emotional regulation skills.
A strong parent-child bond built through co-regulation helps children get through the challenges they experience each day and increase their resilience. Co-regulation offers a sense of safety and security for your child. Co-regulation can reduce your child's stress and anxiety and yours too.
Co-regulation encourages a closer relationship with each other and a deeper understanding. it is a great connection between a parent and their child. Co-regulation is a journey and it requires patience, empathy and a consistent effort but it will be worth it.
Consult with your child's occupational therapist because they can assess your child's sensory needs and provide a very specific intervention with strategies to help. Therapy can help your child develop self-regulation skills and learn to cope with their sensory differences and emotions.
Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support
Sensory Processing Disorder Resources
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DISCLAIMER: I have learned a lot over the years but I am still learning. Always do your own research and exercise sound judgment. I am not an occupational therapist or a physician. I am an adult who has sensory processing disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists or medical professionals give you. These are just ideas that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for awareness and support purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different sensory needs. Please always consult with a professional.
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