What Is Proprioceptive Input and How Can It Help My Child Stay Regulated?
By Emilee Claessens, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Do you have a child that craves big movements—like jumping on the couch, crashing into pillows, or climbing into trees?
Maybe they seek out rough play with siblings or friends, or they seem clumsy and struggle with coordination.
These behaviors may be linked to the proprioceptive system, which plays a huge role in helping kids:
Understand where they are in space
Feel safe and grounded
Stay regulated
Understanding what proprioceptive input is, and how to lean into this tool, can be game changing. It supports focus, emotional regulation, and calmness throughout the day.
In Occupational Therapy, we often experiment with proprioceptive activities for kids to help children improve self-regulation skills or discover ways to increase daily proprioceptive input in safe, controlled ways. That’s what we’re going to teach you here!
What Is Proprioceptive Input?
Most of us grow up learning about the five senses: touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing.
But in reality, we have eight sensory systems, and three of them are lesser known yet essential for how we experience the world:
Interoception
Vestibular system
Proprioception
Proprioception, also called the body awareness sense, helps us know where our body is in space without looking.
This system relies on receptors in muscles, joints, and connective tissues that send signals to the brain about movement, force, speed, and pressure.
Proprioceptive input comes from activities such as pushing, pulling, lifting, squeezing, or doing heavy work. These movements provide deep pressure and resistance that help the nervous system regulate and process sensory information more effectively.
Why Is Proprioceptive Input Important for Kids?
Proprioceptive input benefits all children (and adults too!), but it is especially helpful for kids with:
Sensory processing challenges
Emotional regulation difficulties
Trouble with focus and attention
Here’s why proprioceptive activities matter:
Helps with Self-Regulation: Proprioceptive input can have a calming effect on our nervous system. It may help kids who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or overstimulated to regain control and feel more secure in their bodies.
Improves Focus & Attention: Many kids benefit from proprioceptive input because it provides organized sensory feedback, supporting executive functions such as attention, organization, and task completion.
Reduces Sensory Sensitivities: Some kids who may have other sensory sensitivities can find proprioceptive activities to be soothing for their nervous system. The deep pressure input they feel in their muscles and joints can help them feel more comfortable and familiar in their environment.
Enhances Body Awareness & Coordination: If your child seems clumsy, frequently bumps into things, or has challenges with gross motor skills, proprioceptive input can help them develop increased body awareness and coordination so that they can have better control over their movements.
Supports Emotional Regulation: Proprioceptive activities also provide a safe and natural way for kids to release built-up energy, frustration, or stress. This can help prevent meltdowns and support overall emotional well-being.
Signs Your Child May Need More Proprioceptive Input
Some children naturally seek out proprioceptive input. Signs can include:
Jumping, climbing, or crashing into furniture
Loving tight hugs, massages, or being wrapped in blankets
Frequent fidgeting, chewing on clothing, or biting objects
Struggles with balance or coordination
Easily frustrated or overwhelmed by everyday tasks
Difficulty sitting still or focusing
Hitting or kicking objects or people
If these behaviors sound familiar, adding proprioceptive activities at home may help your child feel more balanced and regulated. And the theory goes that when we intentionally add in more of what they need, then we will see less of the seeking behaviours that might cause some challenges.
Easy Proprioceptive Activities for Kids at Home
Incorporating proprioceptive input into daily life doesn’t have to be complicated. Many activities can be added to routines your child already does! Here are a few ideas. We share these not to overwhelm you - instead we encourage you to read this list and pick out one or two ‘low hanging fruit’ - what would be the easiest ways to incorporate just a couple of these into your child’s day-to-day life?
Heavy Work Proprioceptive Activities
Pushing or pulling a laundry basket or wheelbarrow
Carrying groceries into the house
Helping with chores like vacuuming, sweeping, or wiping tables
Moving furniture
Carrying logs or rocks outside
Deep Pressure Activities for Regulation
Weighted blankets, vests, lap pads, or stuffed animals
Bear hugs or “body locks”
Compression or tight sports clothing
Using a body sock
Massaging arms or legs
Hand hugs or joint compressions
Rolling an exercise ball over the back
Lying on the stomach during drawing or games
Movement-Based Proprioceptive Play
Jumping on a trampoline or BOSU ball
Animal walks
Tug-of-war
Climbing trees or monkey bars
Rock climbing or bouldering
Wall push-ups or wall sits
Wheelbarrow races
Oral Proprioceptive Input Ideas
Crunchy or chewy foods (crackers, popcorn, gum, candies)
Thick smoothies through a straw
Chewelry
Helping Your Child Feel Their Best Through Proprioception
Proprioceptive input is a powerful tool that helps kids stay regulated, focused, and centered.
Whether your child is constantly on the move or struggles with sensory sensitivities, adding activities like jumping, pushing, pulling, or deep pressure can help them feel more in control of their body and emotions.
By supporting your child’s sensory needs, you’re giving them tools to succeed—at home, in school, and beyond.
If you’re unsure where to start, try a few activities and see what works best for your child, or reach out to an occupational therapist for more personalized support!
