Epi #155. Do you have a Hyper Child or Sensory Child? How to Calm them Down FAST

Does your child run, climb, spin, jump, chew, throw things, or constantly fidget?

Do they never seem to slow down—no matter how many times you tell them to sit still?

You’re exhausted.

You try everything—calm voices, time-outs, even bribes—but they just won’t stop moving.

You’re not alone.

Many parents struggle with kids who seem to have endless energy, but here’s what most don’t realize:

Your child isn’t just “hyper.”

They are sensory-seeking—and they need movement to feel calm and focused.

And in this blog, I’m going to teach you exactly how to support them, so you can stop the daily battles and finally bring peace to your home.

Let’s get started.

What Is a Sensory-Seeking Child?

First, let’s clear something up.

Your child is not misbehaving on purpose.

They are not “bad,” “out of control,” or “disrespectful.”

They are seeking sensory input to help their brain and body feel balanced.

Sensory-seeking children may:

✔️ Climb on everything 🛋️
✔️ Jump off furniture 🏃‍♂️
✔️ Chew on sleeves, pencils, or shirt collars 🦷
✔️ Crash into walls, people, or furniture 🤦‍♂️
✔️ Spin in circles 🌀
✔️ Struggle to sit still for meals or homework 📚

These behaviors might look like defiance, but they’re not.

Your child isn’t trying to “be difficult.”

They are trying to regulate their nervous system.

The Biggest Mistake Parents Make

Most parents try to stop these behaviors.

👉 “STOP jumping on the couch!”
👉 “STOP running inside!”
👉 “STOP fidgeting—just SIT STILL!”

But here’s the thing…

Fighting against your child’s sensory needs is like telling someone not to scratch an itch.

It doesn’t work—and it actually makes things worse.

Instead of shutting these behaviors down, we need to redirect them.

Here’s how:

How to Calm a Sensory-Seeking Child FAST

1. Give Them Movement Before They Need It

Instead of waiting for them to start bouncing off the walls, plan movement into their day.

This helps prevent meltdowns before they happen.

Try this:

✔️ Before homework: 10 jumping jacks or wall push-ups 📚
✔️ Before meals: 5 minutes on a mini-trampoline 🍽️
✔️ Before bedtime: Deep-pressure bear hugs 🤗

Meeting their sensory needs before they feel overwhelmed helps them stay calm naturally.

2. Create a Safe Space for Movement

If your child is climbing the couch, they’re telling you they need to climb.

So instead of saying “NO MORE CLIMBING!”…

Try giving them a safe place to climb:

✔️ Indoor climbing wall 🧗‍♂️
✔️ Mini-trampoline 🎾
✔️ Hanging swing or hammock 🌿

This way, they get the movement they need without destroying your furniture.

3. Use Movement to Help Them Focus

Many sensory-seeking kids struggle with focus—especially during homework or mealtime.

But here’s the secret:

🧠 They focus BETTER when they can move.

Try these strategies:

✔️ Let them stand while doing homework.
✔️ Give them a wobble cushion instead of a regular chair.
✔️ Use a fidget toy while reading.

Letting them move while they work can actually improve their focus.

4. Know What to Do in the Moment

Sometimes, your child is already bouncing off the walls.

Here’s how to calm them down fast:

🔥 Deep pressure: Bear hugs, weighted blankets, wall pushes
🔥 Slow rocking: Rocking chair, slow sways, rhythmic movement
🔥 Heavy work: Pushing laundry baskets, carrying books, squeezing stress balls

These techniques help slow their nervous system down and bring them back to a calm state.

But there’s one more thing that’s even more important…

🚨 YOU have to stay calm too.

Because if you’re overwhelmed, frustrated, and snapping at your child, they will feel even more dysregulated.

And I know—it’s hard.

That’s why I want to help.

The Free Class That Will Change Everything

If you’re thinking, “Marcela, I get it. But staying calm is HARD when my child is bouncing off the walls!”—I hear you.

That’s exactly why I created a free class for parents just like you.

Inside, I’ll teach you my simple 4-step system to stay calm and in control—even when your child is at full volume.

In this free class, you’ll learn:

✅ How to stop reacting in anger and start responding with confidence
✅ How to set boundaries so your child listens—without threats or bribes
✅ How to raise an emotionally healthy child who feels secure and connected

Spots are limited! Grab yours here

Parenting a sensory-seeking child doesn’t have to be a battle.

Let me show you how to work with their needs—not against them—so you can bring peace back to your home.

See you inside the class!

💛 Marcela Collier
HIC Parenting