Supporting Children’s Nervous System Regulation Through Sensory Input: Why It Matters and How to Do It

As parents, one of the most powerful gifts we can offer our children is a sense of safety and balance — and much of this comes down to the regulation of their nervous systems. Think of it like being their emotional DJ — you’re helping them turn down the volume on stress and crank up the chill vibes. The nervous system governs how we experience and respond to the world, and for children, whose systems are still developing, sensory input plays a vital role in shaping emotional regulation, behavior, and well-being.

Why Sensory Input Matters for Nervous System Regulation

The human nervous system has two primary branches: the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for fight-or-flight) and the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for rest-and-digest). For children, whose emotional and physiological responses are still developing, sensory input — what they see, hear, touch, taste, and smell — plays a crucial role in helping their bodies transition between states of stress and calm. Basically, their sensory world acts like a remote control for their mood — and sometimes that remote gets stuck on “chaos.”

Research highlights how sensory regulation directly impacts children’s emotional stability and cognitive development (Porges, 2011). When children experience dysregulation — becoming overwhelmed, anxious, or withdrawn — they often need specific types of sensory input to return to a balanced state. Without adequate regulation, children may struggle with attention, behavior, and emotional resilience — and you might struggle with keeping your sanity.

What Is Proprioceptive Input and Why Is It Important?

Ever heard of proprioception? It’s like the body’s “spidey-sense” — the way we know where our arms and legs are without looking. Proprioceptive is the body’s sense of where it is in space and how it moves. This sensory system provides feedback from our muscles and joints, helping us understand pressure, body position, and movement. Think of it as the internal GPS that helps us coordinate our actions without constantly looking at our limbs. 

Activating this specific sense doesn’t just help with movement — it also releases dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter. Dopamine plays a key role in improving mood, focus, and motivation, which is why proprioceptive activities often leave children feeling calmer, happier, and more regulated (Koziol et al., 2011).

Activities that involve pushing, pulling, lifting, or squeezing stimulate the proprioceptive system, offering calming and organizing effects on the nervous system. Researchers emphasize that these activities can help reduce anxiety and improve focus and behavior by promoting a sense of groundedness and safety (Bundy et al., 2019).

The Power of Playfulness in Sensory Regulation

One of the best ways to help children regulate through proprioception is to engage them in heavy work activities. When we make these activities playful and imaginative, children are far more likely to participate and stay engaged. Plus, you get bonus points for making them giggle while they regulate. Playful approaches also help strengthen the parent-child bond, making regulation feel like connection rather than correction.

For each of the following heavy work activities, consider adding a creative twist or game element to keep things light and enjoyable.

1. Pushing and Pulling Activities

   Turn pushing and pulling into a game! Have your child push a laundry basket filled with toys as their “delivery truck” or pull a wagon on a “rescue mission.” Tug-of-war can become a battle with a friendly giant. These deep-pressure, resistance-filled activities help children feel grounded and regulated while keeping their imaginations engaged.

2. Carrying Heavy Objects

   Make carrying objects into an adventure. Ask your child to be a “super strong superhero” carrying important supplies (groceries, books, or weighted objects) to their secret hideout. Turning a chore into a mission makes the work feel exciting and purposeful.

3. Wall Push-Ups or Chair Push-Ups

   Turn push-ups into a silly challenge — like pretending they’re pushing a “wall of jelly” or trying to keep a “wobbly chair” steady. Adding humor and imagination transforms a calming exercise into a fun and engaging activity.

4. Animal Walks

   Lean into the silliness! Encourage your child to become different animals: a stomping bear, a sideways-scuttling crab, or a hopping frog. Add sound effects and challenges (like an obstacle course) to keep things lively and interactive.

5. Helping with Chores Make chores playful by turning them into games: sweeping becomes “clean-up magic,” mopping turns into a “dance party,” and gardening becomes a “treasure hunt” for weeds. By adding joy and imagination, even everyday tasks become opportunities for regulation and connection.
   

Conclusion

Supporting your child’s nervous system regulation through sensory input isn’t just helpful — it’s essential for their emotional health and development. By using these simple, proven heavy work activities and leaning into playfulness, parents can create a nurturing environment that fosters safety, balance, and resilience. The more joy and creativity we bring to these moments, the more connected and regulated our children will feel.

References

Bundy, A., Lane, S. J., & Murray, E. A. (2019). Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice. F.A. Davis.

Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. Norton.

Koziol, L. F., Budding, D. E., & Chidekel, D. (2011). Sensory integration, sensory processing, and sensory modulation disorders: Putative functional neuroanatomic underpinnings. The Cerebellum, 10(4), 770-792.