Young children need to explore and be stimulated, but also to seek security, rest and sleep. They can't really sense when they need to wind down as their regulatory skills are still developing, but need help from you as a parent.

How do children become overstimulated?

As parents, we want to stimulate our children by helping them develop. However, children can easily become over-stimulated when they are exposed to too many experiences, tastes, sounds and activities that they don't know how to handle.

All children are different - some take in all the impressions around them and get tired relatively quickly, while others can relax in noisier environments. Sometimes children can appear restless or active when they are actually tired, leading to overtiredness. To prevent children from becoming overtired or overstimulated, it is important to try to listen to their signals and help them calm down when needed.

Understanding these signals is something that happens over time, but something that usually simplifies is to have recurring routines and structure in everyday life. It will be easier for you as a parent to plan both play and rest, while it usually provides security and predictability for many children. Always have with you that as a parent, you are an expert in understanding your child and their needs.

Children may need extra reassurance and security when they are experiencing change and many new impressions. They may also become more anxious and need more closeness when learning new skills.