Contents
The webinar consisted of three parts:
- What is sensory processing (overstimulation and understimulation)
- Sensory processing and sleep
- Sensory processing during the holiday season
The essence of the problem is that many children cannot cope with the pace of life and the constant pressure to be switched on, and become overstimulated. Our brains cannot handle processing so many stimuli in a short period of time. Playing outside, being exposed to fewer stimuli indoors and therefore spending less time online (games, TikTok, etc.), and having a structured life can help children, especially overstimulated children. Good sleep is also very important, with regular bedtimes.
When a child is gaming, they may appear to be sitting quietly on the sofa, but a huge number of stimuli are entering the brain, all of which need to be processed. Limiting screen time and getting more exercise outdoors is therefore one of the solutions.
There are also an enormous number of stimuli during the holiday season. A visual calendar can help give a child a little more structure. They then know when they may put out a shoe, when Saint Nicholas will arrive, when it is Christmas, etc. Listen to and observe your child and think about what they need to get through this period well. That may be different from what you as a parent would like, but for your child’s peace of mind, it is best to do what suits your child.
The webinar was presented by Melissa den Ouden, social worker at De Sociale Basis, Linda Kerkmans, educationalist at Jong JGZ, and Tilly de Jong, commissioned by Dienst Gezondheid & Jeugd ZHZ. They collaborated with Mee Vivenz.