04/18/2023
An updated post.
Of all the sensory strategies I teach families, this one is probably taught the most. It's also one I use every day in my practice, and in my own house.
As parents, we’ve all been there:
“put your shoes on…..
put your SHOES ON…..
PUT YOUR SHOES ON!!!
Are their ears broken? Why won’t they listen to me??
At that moment, maybe they’re not able to hear you. Their hearing is fine…it’s just that the words aren’t getting in. We rely so heavily on verbal directions...but often, our kid's auditory system is not their most efficient sensory channel.
Instead of getting louder, frustrated, aggravated, or completely dysregulated yourself, USE A DIFFERENT SENSORY CHANNEL to communicate!
If they won’t put their shoes on when you ASK them (auditory), change the channel! HAND them a shoe (touch), get down on their level (vision) and repeat the request. You may be surprised how effective changing the sensory channel can be!
If you think you child is experiencing sensory overload, hit the “mute” button temporarily, and re-visit the expectation when they’re regulated.
Need a guide? Ask an Occupational Therapist!
Greg Santucci, Occupational Therapist
If you SHARE this tonight, maybe tomorrow morning there will be less yelling in households all over the world. =)
