It only takes a little trip down memory lane and through the pages of fairytales to see that getting something ‘just right‘ is a re-occuring theme. Let’s look at how the tale of Goldilocks can help parents understand what our therapists can achieve with the Just Right State Programme as part of our therapeutic support for adoptive parents and families.
Sensory processing and feeling ‘just right’
Take the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. In the fairytale version of the story, Goldilocks enters a seemingly abandoned cottage. In it she finds three chairs, three bowls of porridge and three beds. She tries all of the chairs; one is too hard, one is too soft and one is just right. Next, she tries all the bowls of porridge and again one of them is just right. Likewise, when Goldilocks tries the beds, there is one which is just right.
Getting things ‘just right’ is important, just think about how you prefer your coffee or your tea. As children and adults, we need to understand the way our bodies and brains respond to the sensations, smells, taste, sounds, places and people in our lives. Learning about what our bodies need in terms of movement and sensation can help our ability to manage the often competing physical and emotional demands of daily life.
Sensory sensitivities can be overwhelming, feeling ‘just right’ allows children to feel safe and connected. When parents and other trusted adults take the time to learn about what makes children feel ‘just right’ and support their sensory needs, it helps them feel safe and understood.
The Scared Gang by Éadaoin Bhreathnach
Parents, children, and Sensory Attachment Intervention
How we process information about the world around us and the people we are with changes how we feel. If we are close to a hot kettle we know to stay alert and if our child comes close we will be ready to respond to keep them safe. Taking care of yourself and understanding what helps you stay alert or feel calm when dealing with your child’s emotions throughout the day matters.
As a parent, you may be experiencing a range of behaviour which can be difficult to know how to respond to without a deeper understanding of your child’s sensory needs or preferences.
When you know how to be in your just right state you are able to explore ways to use the right sensations to regulate your child, so they are soothed calm or appropriately alert.
Sensory approaches can significantly help parents and children
The Just Right State Programme was written and devised by Occupational Therapist, Eadoin Bhreathnach. It is supported by The Scared Gang stories which help children and their parents learn about the sensory activities that, like Goldilocks, make them feel ‘just right’.
Using sensory approaches significantly helps parents and children who attend the programme. Families make small adjustments that make big differences, from den time, to the right kind of crunchy snack after school. These changes turn out to be significant because they help children know that their parent was able to help them to feel ‘just right’.
It’s so crucial for children to grow up listening to what their bodies and brains need. This has a positive impact on their long term mental health and sense of being understood in relationship with others. The Just Right State Programme is an opportunity to learn ways of integrating sensory experiences into family life for the benefit of all in the family.
Find out more about the Just Right State programme.