The Power of Push and Pull: Using Proprioception for Calm and Focus

As a pediatric occupational therapist with years (decades) of experience, I talk to parents about the importance of sensory input for helping kids thrive. While we often think about sights and sounds, one of the gold stars in promoting calm and focus is proprioceptive input.  You might not hear about it as much, but it's a powerful tool that engages your child's muscles and joints, contributing to their body awareness and overall self-regulation.

Think of proprioception as your child's "body sense" – it's how they know where their body parts are in space without looking. Activities that provide strong proprioceptive input also known as “heavy work” involve joint compression, slow stretching, and heavy resistance. These actions send deep pressure signals to the brain, which can have a wonderfully grounding and calming effect. It's like giving their system a big, reassuring hug from the inside out!

Incorporating proprioceptive activities into your child's day doesn't have to be complicated or require special equipment. Many everyday movements naturally provide this beneficial input. Think about the effort involved in climbing on playground equipment, the full-body engagement of crawling through a tunnel, or the satisfying resistance of pushing or pulling a wagon loaded with toys. Even simple tasks like carrying a small container of milk or squeezing playdough engage those muscles and joints in a way that can help regulate their energy levels.

For kids who might be feeling a little scattered, overwhelmed, or even just have a lot of pent-up energy, proprioceptive activities can be incredibly helpful. The physical effort required can help them to focus their attention and organize their bodies. Activities like animal walks (bear crawls, frog jumps), yoga poses that involve holding positions, or even helping with yard work like raking leaves can be both fun and relaxing. You might even notice that after some good heavy work, your child seems more centered and able to transition to quieter activities or settle down for sleep. So, embrace the power of push, pull, and heavy work – it's a fantastic way to support your child's sensory needs and help them navigate their day with more calm and focus.

What are some proprioceptive activities that YOU might try at home this week? Leave a comment below and let me know!

You've got this!

-LeeAnn