All Things Sensory by Harkla

#408 - Proprioception: What It Is and Why It Matters


Listen Later

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.

Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode helped you understand your child a little better, share it with someone who might be navigating similar sensory needs.

LINKS

We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ 

Harkla Website 

https://harkla.co/ 

Harkla YouTube

​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily 

Harkla Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ 

Harkla Digital Courses

https://harkla.co/collections/courses 

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

All Things Sensory by HarklaBy Amanda Mathers, OTR/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, CPRCS

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

433 ratings


More shows like All Things Sensory by Harkla

View all
Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled by JLML Press

Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled

3,636 Listeners

Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children by Debbie Reber

Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children

963 Listeners

The Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra, The Lazy Genius

The Lazy Genius Podcast

6,713 Listeners

Neurodiversity Podcast by Emily Kircher-Morris

Neurodiversity Podcast

424 Listeners

Raising Boys & Girls by That Sounds Fun Network

Raising Boys & Girls

1,925 Listeners

Laugh Lines with Kim & Penn Holderness by Kim & Penn Holderness

Laugh Lines with Kim & Penn Holderness

3,425 Listeners

The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast by 1000 Hours Outside

The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

2,234 Listeners

The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom by Dr. Mona Amin

The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom

1,491 Listeners

Uniquely Human: The Podcast by ART19    Uniquely Human

Uniquely Human: The Podcast

420 Listeners

The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma} by Robyn Gobbel

The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma}

253 Listeners

Good Inside with Dr. Becky by Good Inside

Good Inside with Dr. Becky

4,524 Listeners

Sold a Story by APM Reports

Sold a Story

7,674 Listeners

At Peace Parents Podcast by Casey

At Peace Parents Podcast

366 Listeners

After Bedtime with Big Little Feelings by Dear Media and Big Little Feelings

After Bedtime with Big Little Feelings

5,531 Listeners

Learning To Mom ® Motherhood Podcast for First Time Moms, New Moms and Expecting Mothers by Laila | The best mom podcast for first time moms! If you're looking for a natural pregnancy podcast, postpartum podcast, baby's first year podcast, birth podcast, podcast about birth, podcast about pregnancy, motherhood podcast, new mom podcast, ent

Learning To Mom ® Motherhood Podcast for First Time Moms, New Moms and Expecting Mothers

207 Listeners