10 strategies to support overwhelmed & overstimulated kids
How, as parents and/or educators, can we support children who feel overwhelmed or overstimulated?
Children can become overstimulated when they are swamped by more experiences, sensations, sounds, and activities than they can cope with. These feelings can be a common experience for young children who are still learning how to navigate their emotions and manage sensory input.
Having some strategies you can use in the moment to help kids regulate themselves and build resilience can be so beneficial, and helps to prevent us, as adults, from getting swept away with strong emotions too.
Being able to regulate yourself is an important skill for getting through life, and one of the great benefits of a mindfulness practice is it supports children (and adults) to be more reflective on their present moment experience, so that they can notice what is going on in the moment and how they are reacting.
To help these children find balance and thrive at home or in your classroom try these five yoga and mindfulness strategies that you can use in the moment, as well as the five additional strategies for supporting overwhelmed and overstimulated children.
5 Additional Strategies that can be implemented at home or in the classroom include
1. **Create a Calm Corner:**
Setting up a quiet, comfortable space where children can retreat when they need a break can be beneficial. Include soft seating, pillows, or blankets to help them relax. Consider adding calming toys, like stress balls or sensory fidgets, as well as books or visual aids that encourage relaxation. This space can offer children a respite from the hustle and bustle of the classroom or provides a quiet space at home, giving them a chance to regulate their emotions.
2. **Establish Predictable Routines:**
Consistency and predictability can help children feel safe and secure. Establish a rountine at home or a daily schedule in the classroom that includes clear transitions between activities, such as moving from playtime to mealtime. Visual schedules can help children understand what comes next, reducing anxiety and overwhelm. When they know what to expect, children can better manage their emotions and behavior.
3. **Teach Emotional Regulation Skills:**
Equip children with tools to identify and manage their emotions. Teach simple breathing exercises, such as "take a deep breath," or counting to ten. Model and encourage positive self-talk or expressions like, "I'm feeling upset right now, so I'm going to take a break." By helping children recognize and verbalize their feelings, you empower them to take control of their emotional responses.
4. **Adjust the Environment:**
Sometimes, environmental factors can contribute to overstimulation. Evaluate your home or classroom setup and consider adjusting lighting, noise levels, or visual stimuli to create a calmer atmosphere. Some children are very sensitive to smell or chemicals in cleaning products. Use soft lighting or reduce the number of loud or competing sounds to help children feel more at ease. Decluttering their bedroom or classroom can also help reduce visual overstimulation.
5. **Offer Sensory Play:**
Sensory play can help children process and regulate sensory input. Offer activities that engage different senses, such as water play, sand play, or playing with textured materials like clay or playdough. These activities can help children focus and calm down while also providing opportunities for learning and exploration. Weighted blankets and toys are very useful too.
By implementing these strategies, you can create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all children, especially those who may struggle with feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated. Remember that every child is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the right combination of strategies that work best for each individual.