6 Essential Tips to Calm a Child from Sensory Overload

Have you ever experienced a moment where your child seems to emotionally explode? I’m talking about a sudden burst of anger, sadness, tantrums, panic, or something similar. It’s possible your child’s strong reactions were caused by sensory overload. Sensory overload is when a child is overwhelmed by sensory input. This can happen for a lot of different reasons. Maybe they are tired from a long day at the park, a loud noise, a strong emotion they have been feeling for a while, or something entirely different. Experiencing sensory overload does not always mean a child has sensory issues; my guess is most kids go through it sometime. Knowing how to help your child calm down from sensory overload can be challenging. To help you, I’ve made a list of essential tips to calm a child down from sensory overload. 

1. A dark, quiet room

If a child is upset and overwhelmed by their environment, going into a dark, quiet room may be good for them. Being in a dark, quiet room can help drown out the sensory overload and bring the child a sense of peace. If you are at home, the child’s own bedroom is a great place for this. Depending on the child, they may either want you to stay with them or be alone. Watch and listen to their cues to know what’s best.

2. Hold the child close and tightly

Holding a child close and tightly can be a great way to calm them down from sensory overload. At times, it may even be necessary to hold a child dealing with sensory overload, if they are a danger to themselves or others. Holding a child close can make them feel secure. However, be cautious with this technique and use good judgement. A child may not like being held. Holding them could even make the situation worse. You know your child best and if this technique would help them. Also, make sure you don’t hold the child so tight that it cuts off breathing or hurts them. 

3. Weighted blanket

A weighted blanket is similar to holding a child close. The idea is the weight of the blanket helps a child feel less panicky, as if they are being held. Weighted blankets are probably best for older kids. They are a good alternative to holding children tightly and can work well to drown out sensory overload.

4. “Explosion room”

The idea of an “explosion room” is for kids who need to actively move or let out their anger to calm down from sensory overload. It’s an area where a child can tear up or destroy things like paper or cardboard. To make an “explosion room,” you can use cardboard boxes or blankets to make a fort. Then add things for a child to destroy like magazines or scrap paper. An “explosion room” can be a healthy outlet to release anger or frustration, while teaching a child how to safely vent feelings. 

 

5. Sensory tubes

Sensory tubes are popular these days. They are tubes with liquid or small objects inside. The child can hold the tube and stare at the contents inside while they calm down. Concentrating on the tube pulls a child’s focus to something other than their sensory overload, giving them a chance to calm down. You can find plenty of DIY sensory tube ideas on Google and Pinterest. For younger kids, I really like Lakeshore Play & Learn Sensory Tubes.

6. Listen

The most important thing you can do when your child is dealing with sensory overload is to listen to them. Your child may be able to communicate their needs to you if you get on their level and pay attention. If your child is not able to express their needs, try some of the tips on this list. See what works for your child. When your child has calmed down from their sensory overload, talk to them about their experience, based on their age and ability to understand. You will likely both learn something.

That wraps up my list of essential tips for calming a child down from sensory overload. These techniques probably work best for kids between the ages of two and seven, but can be adapted to suit a child of a different age. 

So what techniques have you used to calm your child down from sensory overload? Let me know in the comments! 

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