By Dr. Sharon Huang, Licensed Child and Family Psychologist
Why Do Children Have Strong Sensory Needs?
Do you remember rocking your child when they were an infant to soothe them or trying to reason with your toddler to stop a meltdown in public? If you do, you already know just how powerful children's sensory needs can be. In my work with children and adolescents, I have witnessed firsthand how the right sensory support can transform their anxiety into calm.
During their first sessions with me, my child and adolescent clients enter my office with some trepidation, as expected; I'm a stranger to them and they are unsure of what to expect from therapy. That's why I keep a basket of sensory toys and a sand zen garden on my desk for them to explore–I find that they immediately gravitate towards these toys and can observe their anxiety slowly beginning to dissipate when they start playing.
How Common Is Anxiety Among Children Today?
In recent years, it seems as though all children and adolescents are anxious. In fact, anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health disorder in children, occurring in 13% of young people.
We observe children's anxiety in their bodies first–muscle tension, headaches, fidgeting, increased heart rate, etc. Eventually these physical symptoms become accompanied by mental symptoms such as irritability, fear, panic, clinginess, and even avoidance in engaging in activities or attending school.
What Makes Sensory Tools Effective for Anxiety?
Sensory tools and techniques can provide children and adolescents with a safe and natural way to keep them grounded during anxious times. In my practice, where I integrate play therapy with cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness, I always start by teaching children to recognize the changes in their bodies when they feel stressed, and how they have the power to manage their anxiety before it gets worse.
Whether it's taking a deep breath, imagining a peaceful scene, or making something out of clay or wood blocks, we use techniques that focus on their senses to help reduce those scary feelings.
How Do Sensory Toys Support Emotional Development?
Sensory toys are not only entertaining but also beneficial for children's emotional regulation and cognitive development. Toys that have tactile properties can provide a calming effect and reduce anxiety, as well as encourage a child's creativity and exploration. Furthermore, they can promote social interactions and problem-solving skills, which are lifelong skills for anxiety management. Along with breathing and visualization techniques, these sensory toys can become part of a child's coping skills toolkit.
Why Are Natural Materials Better Than Plastic?
In my practice, I specialize in working with children and adolescents with anxiety, autism, ADHD, learning challenges, and behavior challenges, so I prefer sensory toys that are simple and less overwhelming. Although I do use plastic toys that I have acquired second-hand, I prefer wood, paper, and clay toys, because they feel more grounding and warmer than the plastic toys.
In addition, these natural, eco-friendly sensory toys can reduce feelings of sensory overload for my clients, who need a safe place where they can escape from the stimulation of a stressful world for a bit. As adults, our choice of toys models our values; selecting eco-friendly sensory toys teaches our children to be mindful of the earth and to show gratitude for its ability to nourish us.
What Do Anxious Children Really Need?
Anxious children and adolescents don't need fancy gadgets–they just need to feel safe, learn coping skills, and have the freedom to explore with thoughtful, natural tools, such as eco-friendly sensory toys. Our task as parents is twofold–selecting toys and resources with the intention to raise calmer children and build a greener world.
Start Managing Your Child’s Anxiousness Today!
Managing anxiety in children can be tricky, however, with the right tools, you can start raising your child with the proper coping skills to get through life. One excellent tool for children is eco-friendly sensory kits from companies like Meemzy Magic. These kits are thoughtfully designed to engage your child with minimal mess and stress to you, the caregiver. Small steps today can make a big difference in their future!