Interoception is the ability to sense and understand the internal sensations of the body, such as hunger, thirst, fatigue, pain, and emotions. Teaching children about interoception can help them develop better emotional regulation, self-awareness, and overall well-being. Here are some tips for teaching children about interoception:
Start by explaining what interoception is: Introduce the concept of interoception by explaining what it means and why it's important. Use simple language and provide examples of how interoception works. We love the book 'My Body Sends a Signal' by Natalia Maguire.
Help children identify their internal sensations: Teach children to identify and name the different internal sensations they experience, such as hunger, thirst, and fatigue. Encourage them to pay attention to their bodies and notice how they feel.
Teach children to connect internal sensations to emotions: Help children understand the connection between internal sensations and emotions. For example, they might feel anxious when their heart beats faster or sad when they feel a pit in their stomach.
Practice interoception activities: Engage children in activities that help them develop interoceptive awareness, such as breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and yoga.
Use visual aids: Use visual aids such as charts and diagrams to help children understand the different internal sensations and how they relate to emotions.
Encourage self-reflection: Encourage children to reflect on their internal sensations and emotions. Ask them how they feel and what might be causing those feelings.
Make it fun: Make learning about interoception fun by using games and activities that involve the body and emotions.
Overall, teaching children about interoception can help them develop a deeper understanding of their bodies and emotions, which can lead to better self-regulation and overall well-being.
And remember self-regulation continues to develop right through to adulthood!
Children develop self-regulation through structured, nurturing environments with supportive caregiver relationships providing co-regulation. More of this topic in another blog coming soon!