#386 - Don’t Force It: How to Support Kids Who Say “No” to Sensory Play

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC November 12, 2025

#386 - Don’t Force It: How to Support Kids Who Say “No” to Sensory Play

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Don’t Force It: How to Support Kids Who Say “No” to Sensory Play

Is your child refusing sensory play youknow would help them? You’re not alone — and it doesn’t always mean they’re being “defiant.” 💡

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why kids say “no” to sensory activities

  • How rapport & co-regulation make a difference

  • When hunger, sleep, or illness affect behavior

  • Simple ways to modify activities so kids succeed

We’re so glad you’re here and can’t wait to hang out with you again next week! 🌈

If your child avoids swings, messy play, or other sensory activities, it doesn’t always mean they’re being “difficult.” Refusal is often a form of communication and understanding thewhy can help you better support them. 💡

In this episode, we break down the common reasons kids refuse sensory play and what you can do about it. You’ll hear why rapport and co-regulation matter, how basic needs like hunger or fatigue impact behavior, and what it might mean when kids with low self-esteem or motor planning challenges say “no.” We also share simple strategies for modifying activities, using play and interests to spark engagement, and even why letting kids respectfully refuse can build trust and confidence.

Thanks for watching & listening 🩷

Drop a comment if this episode resonated, we love hearing from you! 🌈

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Links

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram 

Harkla Website 

Harkla YouTube

Harkla Instagram

Harkla Digital Courses

Sensory Diet Digital Course

 

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 & art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views & opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties & 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 & make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews & comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair & 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.

Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC
Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC

Rachel Harrington, COTA/l, AC, CPRCS, and Jessica Hill, COTA/L, CPRCS are Harkla's in-house Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) and Certified Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialists. They have been working with children for over 6 years in outpatient settings. They specialize in creating easy-to-digest, actionable content that families can use to help their child's progress at home. Jessica and Rachel are the in-house experts, content creators, and podcast hosts at Harkla! To learn more about Jessica and Rachel, visit the Harkla About Us Page. Make sure to listen to their weekly podcast, All Things Sensory by Harkla for actionable, fun advice on child development.


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