The Sensory Savvy Momma Podcast | Nervous system-first strategies for moms raising sensory kids—with more calm, confidence, and connection.

02// It's Not Bad Behavior, It's a Nervous System Trying to Cope

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Hey Momma,

Ever catch yourself wondering, “Why are they melting down over something so tiny?”

Like... a tag in a shirt. The sound of the vacuum. The lights in Target.
You’re not alone—and no, it’s not just “bad behavior.”

This episode is for you if your child’s reactions feel bigger than the moment—and you’re craving a deeper understanding of what’s really going on.

 What We’re Chatting About Today:

In this episode, we’re diving into the sensory system and why behavior that seems “extra” or “inappropriate” might actually be your child’s way of saying, “I’m overwhelmed.” You’ll meet Sam, a sweet preschooler whose story illustrates exactly how misunderstandings around eye contact, sensory thresholds, and regulation show up in real life.

We’ll talk about:

  • The 8 sensory systems (yep—there’s more than 5!)

  • What it means when your child avoids, seeks, or shuts down

  • Why regulation isn’t about “fixing” behavior—it’s about supporting the nervous system

  • How to observe your child through a new lens—no pressure, just gentle noticing

    • You’ll also hear about the “thresholds” that impact how your child interacts with the world—and why understanding this can totally shift your parenting (and your compassion for yourself, too).

     Key Moments:
    • (00:00) Why “small” things aren’t small to your child’s sensory system

    • (03:00) Sam’s story—eye contact, dysregulation, and a lesson in nervous system overwhelm

    • (09:00) Breaking down the 8 sensory systems

    • (14:00) The 4 processing patterns—seeker, avoider, bystander, sensor

    • (25:00) Your 24-hour sensory observation invite (no pressure!)

      •  Resources Mentioned:
      • Grab the Clarity Lab for insight into your child’s sensory processing style
        • 👉 https://edisoncollective.thrivecart.com/the-clarity-lab/

         Let’s Stay Connected:
        • Website → theedisoncollective.com

        • Instagram → @the_edison_collective

        • Email → [email protected]

          • Your Next Steps:
          • Hit Follow so new episodes land right in your feed

          • Share this episode with a friend who’s wondering, “Is this behavior really about behavior?”

          • Get THE CLARITY LAB if you want to go deeper into understanding your child’s sensory world https://edisoncollective.thrivecart.com/the-clarity-lab/
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            The Sensory Savvy Momma Podcast | Nervous system-first strategies for moms raising sensory kids—with more calm, confidence, and connection.By Victoria Johnson | Neurodivergent Parenting Coach