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If your child is constantly crashing into things, squeezing you a little too tight, or always on the move, there’s a good chance they're seeking out proprioceptive input. In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most important (and often overlooked) sensory systems and why it can feel like a “secret tool” when it comes to regulation.
We talk about what proprioception actually is, how it helps with body awareness, and why so many kids need more of this type of input throughout their day. You’ll hear why this system is unique compared to other sensory systems and how it can actually help calm and organize the nervous system, especially during moments of overwhelm or anxiety.
We also walk through what it can look like when a child is under-responsive in this system, from big, obvious movements like crashing and jumping to more subtle signs like leaning, slouching, or using too much force when playing or writing. We also touch on how this can show up differently from child to child and why it’s not always easy to spot.
Throughout the episode, we share simple ways to start using proprioceptive input as a tool, both for your kids and for yourself. From squeezing, pushing, and pulling, to everyday activities like chewing, exercising, or even leaning against a wall, these strategies can make a big difference in helping the nervous system feel more grounded and regulated.
This episode is all about helping you better understand what your child’s body might be asking for and giving you a few simple ways to start supporting it in a practical, realistic way.
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If this episode helped you understand your child a little better, share it with someone who might be navigating similar sensory needs.
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If you’ve ever noticed your child constantly crashing into the couch, squeezing you a little too hard, stomping through the house, or seeking endless hugs and movement, you may be seeing their proprioceptive system at work. And if you’ve heard the phrase“heavy work” from an occupational therapist but weren’t exactly sure what it meant, you’re not alone.
The proprioceptive system is one of the most important and often overlooked sensory systems in the body. It plays a huge role in helping children feel calm, coordinated, confident, and connected to their bodies.
The proprioceptive system is your body’s sense of body awareness. It helps you know:
Where your body is in space.
How much force to use.
How to move your body smoothly and safely.
This system relies on receptors located in the:
Muscles.
Joints.
Tendons.
These receptors are activated through:
Pushing.
Pulling.
Stretching.
Jumping.
Lifting.
Carrying.
Compression.
For example:
Pushing your hands together.
Hanging from monkey bars.
Chewing crunchy foods.
Carrying groceries.
Jumping on a trampoline.
All of these activities provide proprioceptive input. Occupational therapists often call these activities “heavy work” because they activate the muscles and joints in a meaningful, organizing way.
One of the fascinating things about the proprioceptive system is that most people are not overly sensitive to proprioceptive input. That’s why occupational therapists frequently use proprioceptive activities as a “go-to” strategy for regulation.
Deep pressure and heavy work can help:
Calm the nervous system.
Improve focus and attention.
Reduce sensory overwhelm.
Support emotional regulation.
Increase body awareness.
Help children feel safe and grounded.
Think about how calming:
A tight hug feels.
A weighted blanket feels.
Yoga or stretching feels.
Chewing gum can feel when stressed.
That’s proprioception at work. For many children with sensory processing challenges, proprioceptive input acts like an organizing anchor for the brain and body.
During the podcast episode, Rachel shared a powerful analogy that helps many parents truly understand what proprioceptive difficulties can feel like for a child. She explained that the proprioceptive system is often one of the first sensory systems affected when someone is intoxicated.
Think about how difficult it becomes to:
Balance on one foot.
Walk upstairs smoothly.
Judge force accurately.
Coordinate movements.
That loss of body awareness can offer insight into what some children experience every day. For a child with proprioceptive processing challenges:
Putting on pajamas while balancing may feel incredibly hard.
Playing Jenga gently may require enormous effort.
Walking without bumping into things may not come naturally.
This perspective can help parents shift from frustration to empathy. Your child is not trying to be “too rough” or “too clumsy.” Their nervous system may genuinely need more support understanding where their body is in space.
Every child is different, but there are some common signs that may indicate your child is seeking or struggling with proprioceptive input.
Children who are under-responsive to proprioceptive input often seek more intense sensory experiences.
You may notice your child:
Crashing into furniture.
Jumping constantly.
Stomping when they walk.
Hugging too tightly.
Pushing or pulling excessively.
Leaning on people or objects.
Chewing on clothing or pencils.
Seeking rough play.
Slamming doors or objects.
Using too much force during activities.
These children are often described as:
“Wild”
“Clumsy”
“Rough”
“Always moving”
But in reality, their nervous system may simply be craving more body awareness input.
Some children seek proprioceptive input in quieter ways.
These children may:
Slouch in their chairs.
Lean heavily on tables.
Prefer sedentary activities.
Constantly fidget.
Rock in chairs.
Seek crunchy foods.
Appear floppy or low tone.
Have poor posture.
These children still need proprioceptive input. They just seek it differently.
One of the most powerful things about proprioceptive input is how it supports emotional regulation and anxiety. Many adults naturally use proprioceptive strategies without even realizing it.
You may:
Clench your hands during stress.
Chew gum while working.
Stretch after a long day.
Lean against a wall when overwhelmed.
Exercise to “reset” your nervous system.
Children benefit from these same strategies. Heavy work helps the nervous system feel:
Grounded.
Organized.
Safe.
Calm.
That’s why occupational therapists often recommend proprioceptive activities before:
School.
Homework.
Bedtime.
Transitions.
Social situations.
Car rides.
The good news is that proprioceptive activities can easily be built into your child’s daily routine. Here are some simple heavy work activities to try at home:
Animal walks.
Jumping on a trampoline.
Wall pushes.
Crab walks.
Wheelbarrow walks.
Obstacle courses.
Climbing.
Swinging.
Yoga poses.
Carrying groceries.
Pushing a laundry basket.
Vacuuming.
Wiping tables.
Moving cushions.
Gardening.
Drinking thick smoothies through a straw.
Chewing crunchy snacks.
Eating chewy foods.
Blowing bubbles.
Humming.
Calming Proprioceptive Tools
Weighted blankets.
Compression sheets.
Body socks.
Deep pressure squeezes.
Tight hugs (if your child enjoys them).
Compression swings.
The key is consistency. Small amounts of proprioceptive input throughout the day can make a huge difference in helping a child feel regulated and successful.
Proprioceptive input can also be incredibly helpful for children who experience:
Anxiety.
Emotional dysregulation.
Sensory overwhelm.
Difficulty transitioning.
Trouble focusing.
Deep pressure and heavy work help activate calming pathways in the nervous system. That’s why many children naturally seek:
Tight blankets.
Cozy spaces.
Squeezing.
Jumping.
Chewing.
Movement.
These behaviors are often the body’s attempt to self-regulate. When we understand the “why” behind the behavior, we can support children more effectively and compassionately.
Sensory processing is not about “bad behavior.” It’s about understanding what a child’s nervous system needs in order to feel safe, organized, and successful.
When we provide the right sensory input:
Meltdowns may decrease.
Focus may improve.
Transitions may feel easier.
Coordination can strengthen.
Emotional regulation becomes more manageable.
Most importantly, children begin to feel more confident in their own bodies. And parents begin to feel more empowered, too.
The proprioceptive system truly is one of the body’s most powerful tools for regulation. Whether your child is constantly crashing and jumping or quietly leaning and slouching, their nervous system may be asking for more proprioceptive input.
The encouraging news is that simple sensory strategies — practiced consistently and compassionately — can make a meaningful difference over time.
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.
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