Understanding Interoception: Helping Kids Tune Into Their Body Signals
Have you ever noticed your child doesn’t seem to realize when they’re hungry, tired, or need to use the bathroom? Or maybe they have strong reactions to subtle body sensations that seem “over the top”? This is often related to interoception—our sense of what’s happening inside our bodies.
What is Interoception?
Interoception is the brain’s ability to detect and interpret internal body signals, like:
Hunger and thirst
Fullness after eating
Needing to use the bathroom
Heart rate, temperature, or muscle tension
Emotional cues like anxiety, excitement, or calmness
It’s sometimes called the “hidden sense” because unlike sight or touch, we don’t always notice it—yet it affects daily routines, self-regulation, and emotional awareness.
Why Interoception Matters
When interoception is working well, children can:
Recognize and respond to hunger or thirst
Know when they’re tired or overstimulated
Understand and communicate emotions
Participate independently in self-care tasks
Challenges with interoception can lead to:
Difficulty recognizing bodily needs
Struggles with toileting, eating, or sleep routines
Emotional dysregulation or anxiety
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
OT can teach children to notice, interpret, and respond to their body signals through:
Mindful movement and sensory-based activities
Games that highlight internal cues (heartbeat, breathing, temperature)
Structured routines that connect body signals to actions
Tips for Parents at Home
Use language that names body signals (“Your tummy is hungry,” “Your heart is racing”)
Encourage self-check-ins throughout the day
Make routines predictable to help children notice patterns
Body Signal Examples:
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Hungry, Thirsty, Full, Empty, Growling tummy
Ex: “I am going to pause my game. My tummy is hungry, time for a snack”
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Hot, Cold, Warm, Chilly, Sweaty, Shivery
Ex: “My hands feel cold, I’m going to get gloves”
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Heart Racing, Breathing Fast/Slow, Full bladder, Stomachache, Achy, Sore, Tingly, Tight, Loose, Heavy
Ex: “My legs feel heavy after running.”
Helping children tune into their internal signals empowers them to take care of their bodies, regulate emotions, and grow more independent. Interoception is a skill we can teach and strengthen through play, awareness, and supportive routines.
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