
Thursday May 07, 2026
13 // {Part 1/3: The 8 Sensory Systems Every Parent Needs To Understand}: Tactile, Vestibular and Proprioceptive
Part 1/3: The 8 Sensory Systems Every Parent Needs to Understand
If you've ever googled "why is my child so difficult," this one's for you!
Because here's what I know: your child isn't difficult. Their brains are wired differently than you think. And once you understand how, everything changes the way you see their meltdowns, the way you respond to their big behaviors, and the way you show up as their advocate.
In this episode, I'm kicking off a brand new series on the 8 sensory processing systems. This is going to be one of those episodes you send to every parent you know.
Most of us grew up believing we have 5 senses. We actually have 8 sensory systems. And every single one of them plays a role in how your child behaves, regulates, learns, and connects.
Today, we're starting with the foundation: What sensory processing actually is, why your child's "cup" is uniquely theirs, and we're diving into the first three systems: touch, movement (vestibular), and body awareness (proprioceptive).
In this episode:
- Why there are actually 8 sensory systems (not 5) and why this changes everything
- The cup analogy and why no cup size is wrong, just different
- Sensory seeking vs. sensory avoidant: what each looks like in real kids
- The tactile system: why tags, light touch, and messy play are about more than preference
- The vestibular system: what's really happening when your kid can't stop spinning (hint: it's not just because he or she is hyperactive)
- The proprioceptive system: the "organizing" sense and why heavy work is magic for every child
- Real stories from my own three boys, including Nolan's coloring pages in preschool and what co-regulation looked like in our hallway
Resources mentioned:
- Full blog post: raisingkidswithpurpose.com/sensory-processing-systems
- Free Sensory Profile Worksheet: fill this out for each of your kids: landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h9m3f5
- Instagram Reel mentioned in this episode: instagram.com/p/DJFoA7ZTMPU
Want to go deeper?
If you're ready to stop reacting and start understanding your child's unique wiring, that's exactly what we do inside my coaching programs. You'll learn to become your child's strongest advocate, in your home and in every room you walk into on their behalf.
šwww.raisingkidswithpurpose.com/chatĀ
This is Part 1 of a 3-part series. Next week: We're covering the auditory, visual, smell, and taste systems, including why "picky eating" is NOT a behavior problem and why your kid covers their ears at their own birthday party.
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