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We got a question on Instagram that we’re going to answer in today’s episode!
When doing sensory activities, should I continue the challenging activities or push through them with my child when my child has adverse reactions?
Such a great question! We dive into this topic and discuss the ‘just right challenge’ as well as provide some examples of what this looks like for different situations.
We give you our favorite tips and tricks for navigating the ‘just right challenge’ as well as answer some listener questions at the end!
Improving Focus & Behavior in the Classroom Digital Course
5 Step Recipe for a Sensory Diet YouTube Video
Episode 39: All Things Sensory Diets
Episode 9: Starting School with a Sensory Kiddo
Episode 58: Back to School Tips for Success
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram
Imagine you start a new sensory activity with your child—say, playing with shaving cream or trying a swim lesson at a new facility. You’re excited, you know it can benefit your child, but instead of joyful engagement, you get tears, resistance, or even a full meltdown.
Many parents and therapists face this scenario, which raises a tough question:Should I push my child through the activity or stop when they resist?Let’s break down why sensory activities can be so challenging and how you can respond in a way that supports your child’s development while respecting their boundaries.
Children with sensory processing challenges often react strongly to new or intense sensory input. For example:
Tactile Sensitivity:A child may cry or withdraw when asked to play with sticky substances like shaving cream.
Auditory Overload:Environments like indoor swim lessons can be echoey and loud, causing distress.
Food Aversions: Introducing new textures or flavors may result in refusal, gagging, or emotional upset.
These reactions aren't just behavioral; they're nervous system responses that may put your child into "fight or flight" mode.
The "just right challenge" is a therapy term that refers to offering a task that is challenging enough to promote development but not so difficult that it leads to frustration or shutdown.
It’s about finding that middle ground between:
Forcing participation, which can feel traumatic and reduce trust.
Allowing avoidance, which may reinforce fear and lead to learned helplessness.
When children are forced into a sensory activity they’re not ready for, it can undermine their autonomy and trust. Common pressure tactics like bribing or comparing them to others may increase anxiety and resistance.
On the other hand, rescuing a child every time they show discomfort teaches them that avoidance is the solution, and they may miss out on important opportunities to build tolerance and confidence.
Let’s explore three common examples and ways to navigate them using the just right challenge approach.
Child's Response:Refuses to touch it, cries, or tries to leave.
What To Do:
Model play: Engage with the shaving cream yourself and narrate your actions.
Provide alternatives: Offer tools like a spoon or toy car to interact indirectly.
Use a visual timer: Set for 1 minute and gradually increase exposure time.
Stay consistent:Reintroduce similar activities regularly, using variations like finger painting with yogurt or washable foam.
What NOT To Do:Force them to touch the cream or immediately clean up and avoid it forever.
Child's Response: Clings to parent, cries, or refuses to enter the water.
What To Do:
Validate feelings: "I see this is really loud and new. That can be scary."
Use sensory tools: Noise-reducing headphones or a weighted vest may help.
Empower with choice: Let them watch first, then choose when to try.
Collaborate with instructors: Include your child in conversations and decisions.
What NOT To Do: Label them as "bad" or skip sessions without trying supportive strategies.
Child's Response: Pushes plate away, gags, or throws food.
What To Do:
Make it playful: Build food faces or play food games.
Involve them: Let them help prepare the food.
Desensitize gradually:Start with touching, then smelling, licking, and eventually tasting.
Offer repeatedly: Research shows kids may need 10+ exposures to accept new foods.
What NOT to Do: Force bites or remove the food altogether after one rejection.
Validation means acknowledging your child’s emotions without letting those emotions drive every decision. Phrases like:
"You look unsure about this. Want to tell me how you're feeling?"
"It’s okay to feel nervous. Let’s try just a little bit together."
This approach fosters trust and builds your child’s emotional awareness.
Whatever the activity, the secret to success is consistency. If you try once and never return to it, progress is unlikely.
Create a routine where your child is gradually reintroduced to the challenge in safe, supported ways. Over time, repeated positive exposures help rewire the nervous system, leading to increased tolerance and engagement.
Sensory challenges are not a sign of failure—they are opportunities for growth. By finding the "just right challenge," you empower your child to push their boundaries safely and confidently.
Stay patient, stay consistent, and remember that you're not alone.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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