Sensory Processing Disorder: The Everyday Battles Only Moms Understand

Sitting at a park watching children play and run around without any concerns sometimes makes my heart ache a little bit. Especially on days my sensory-sensitive child is overwhelmed. If this is you. You are not alone. 

Of course, we try not to compare, and yet it can be challenging not to when you see your child struggling with things that other children don’t seem to be phased by at all.  Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is so often misunderstood. It can feel lonely for us, “The moms, dads, caregivers.  The world continues and does not stop for us, our little ones. 

Everyone talks about the “big ones” meltdowns and tags. But there are so many different sensory bursts that happen all day long that can throw off the day. 

What are they? Let's dive in. 

Peeking into the Hidden Challenges of SPD in Daily Life

It wouldn’t be a surprise to hear that our senses affect the way we perceive our environment and the world. Well, SPD affects the way our children experience the world in ways that aren’t always obvious to us. 

 Here are some real-life examples that you might have experienced:

Avoiding playgrounds – Not because they don’t want to play. Of course they do!

But swinging, spinning, or climbing makes them feel dizzy or out of control. It starts fun, and then it's not. 

Struggling to follow instructions –Has it happened to you that your child does “not listen” to you, even when you’re right in front of them? You have to reach out and touch them for them to hear you?

It might be because their brain just can’t process verbal instructions with all the background noise.

Dreading birthday parties – Not because they don’t love their friends, but because the mix of music, chatter, and sudden claps or cheers is overwhelming.

Refusing certain clothes – You can’t get them to wear jeans, or they always want to wear the same pants, and you have to buy them in every colour. 

Challenges food– It’s not always the taste but the texture that can throw off the entire experience.

Craving movement – That constant need to jump, spin, and climb? It’s not just “hyperactivity.” Their nervous system craves that input to feel regulated.

Procrastinating on tasks – Not laziness. The thought of dealing with certain textures, lights, or sounds is just too draining.

Avoiding eye contact – Not rudeness. Sometimes, processing both eye contact and conversation at the same time is too much.

Why are these struggles difficult to spot? 

Can you even count the number of times you have had to explain your child’s behaviors to someone who just doesn’t get it? It could be a teacher, a family member, or even a well-meaning friend?

It’s frustrating because people only see the surface. They don’t see the child who desperately wants to play but can’t handle the movement. They don’t see the overwhelm behind the “defiance.” They don’t feel how the world can be too much, too loud, too bright, too fast.

In reality, our kids are doing their best in a world that really wasn’t designed for their sensory needs. And as their mom, you are doing your best to help them navigate it.

How We Can Support Our Kids with SPD

The best thing we can do is meet our kids where they are. Here are some ways to help:

Create a sensory-friendly environment. Actively attempt to lower the noise, dim the lights, and give them a space to decompress. Sensory swings, quiet corners, and weighted blankets can help.

Give clear, structured instructions – If they struggle to process verbal directions, try using visuals or breaking tasks into smaller steps.

Respect sensory preferences – Some textures, sounds, or clothing just won’t work for them—and that’s okay. 

We don’t have to force them to “tough it out.” Because we don’t do this to adults, so why would we do this to “our kids” 

Encourage movement – If they need to jump, spin, or swing, let them! Their bodies are telling them what they need.

Advocate for them – Educate teachers, caregivers, and family members. The more people understand, the more support our kids will have.

Shifting the Perspective on SPD

Mama, I know it’s hard. I know the looks from other parents can sting. I know the worry of wondering if they’ll ever be understood.  

SPD isn’t just about “picky eating” or “meltdowns”—it’s about how their senses make them see the world differently. The world feels completely different for our kids in ways most people don’t even realize.

So the next time someone sees your child struggling with something that seems ‘small,’ remind yourself: it’s not small to them. And remind yourself that you’re doing an amazing job helping them navigate it.