Have you ever noticed your child always seems hungry, or that they don’t realise they’re hot and red in the face but still refuse to take their jumper off? Maybe they hardly react to pain, or find it difficult to describe how they’re feeling.
These everyday examples relate to something called interoception, often referred to as the eighth sensory system.
What Is Interoception?
Interoception is the sense that helps us notice what’s happening inside our bodies. It allows the brain to interpret internal signals such as hunger, thirst, temperature, and even emotional changes.
The goal of interoception is to help the body stay balanced, or in homeostasis. This means not too hungry or full, not too hot or cold, and having emotions that feel reasonably steady. When we can recognise these internal signals, we’re better able to understand how we feel and what we need.
When Interoception Works Differently
People experience interoception in different ways. Some are highly sensitive to internal sensations, while others may barely notice them. These differences can affect several areas of daily life:
-
Toilet training: Children might not recognise the feeling of a full bladder or bowel, which can make toilet learning difficult.
-
Emotional regulation: Some children struggle to notice the body changes that come with strong emotions, such as tense muscles or faster breathing during anxiety or anger.
Kelly Mahler has an excellent short video that explains how children with interoceptive differences may know coping strategies but can’t always use them in the moment. -
Hunger and thirst: Difficulty recognising hunger or fullness can make it hard to maintain healthy eating habits.
-
Sleep awareness: Some children may not realise when they are tired or need to rest.
How to Support Interoceptive Awareness
The good news is that interoception can be strengthened with simple, consistent strategies.
-
Use interoceptive language: Talk about how your body feels throughout the day. For example, “My heart is beating fast after running with you,” or “My hands feel warm holding my tea.” This helps children connect body sensations with emotions.
-
Try yoga: Yoga encourages children to pay attention to how their bodies feel as they move. It provides calming sensory input and promotes self-awareness.
A wonderful place to start is Cosmic Kids Yoga on YouTube. -
Practise breathing exercises: Controlled breathing helps children focus on what’s happening inside their bodies. Try Square Breathing for an easy, child-friendly option.
-
Explore alerting activities: Activities that get the heart pumping, like jumping or running, help children recognise changes in their body such as increased heart rate and breathing.
You can also download Kelly Mahler’s free printable interoception activities to use at home.
In Summary
Interoception plays a key role in helping children understand their bodies, emotions, and needs. With language, practice, and awareness, you can help your child tune in to these signals and develop greater emotional understanding, independence, and self-confidence.