It’s not unusual for children to have boundless energy and a fascination with physical play. However, if your child seems to thrive on jumping, bumping, and crashing into things, they may be seeking proprioceptive input—a crucial aspect of their sensory development.
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Proprioception refers to the body’s ability to sense its position and movement in space. It involves the proprioceptors — sensory receptors located in muscles, tendons, and joints — that send signals to the brain about where our body parts are and how they are moving. This sensory input helps us coordinate our movements and maintain balance.
When a child doesn’t receive enough proprioceptive input, they may struggle with coordination, balance, and body awareness, which can manifest as difficulties in tasks that require fine motor skills or spatial reasoning. Simply reprimanding a child for being “naughty” or not listening, without considering their sensory needs, can overlook the root cause of their behaviour. This approach may inadvertently lead to long-term consequences, such as chronic frustration, low self-esteem, and an increased risk of behavioural issues. Instead of addressing the underlying sensory deficits, the child is labeled as disobedient, which can undermine their confidence and exacerbate their difficulties.
Understanding and providing appropriate proprioceptive input can help improve their self-regulation and overall behaviour, leading to better developmental outcomes.
Children who frequently engage in activities like jumping, crashing, or squeezing may be seeking proprioceptive input to help regulate their sensory system. For some, this kind of physical activity provides a calming effect or helps them feel more grounded. It can also help them process and integrate sensory information more effectively.
Signs your child may need proprioceptive input:
A lack of adequate proprioceptive input can impact a child’s ability to focus and behave appropriately in school settings. They might have trouble staying seated, following instructions, or completing tasks. You may see them fidget, move around, or show signs of restlessness as a way to self-regulate and gain the sensory feedback their bodies crave. Sometimes, they may seem naughty or disruptive, but it’s important to understand that their behaviour may stem from an unmet need for sensory input rather than intentional misbehaviour. Recognising this can shift the perspective from viewing their actions as disobedience to understanding them as signals of sensory needs that require support. Providing appropriate proprioceptive activities can help them better manage their energy and improve their overall focus and behaviour.
You may want to consider introducing more proprioceptive activities into your child’s routine. Some of these could include:
