How the Feel Good Sense Supports Sensory Processing and Learning
Today I want to shine a light on a sense that’s often overlooked but plays a huge role in your child’s sensory processing, emotional state, and coordination.
And the best part is that you, as a parent, are incredibly powerful in helping bring it to life.
Move Over Proprioception! There’s a New Sense in Town
I used to think the proprioceptive sense was the superhero of all the senses. It helps with body awareness, movement, and coordination—essential for almost every skill kids develop.
That’s a lot of pressure on proprioception.
(Get it? Pressure? 😄)
But there’s another sense that I believe plays just as big a role…..maybe even bigger.
💃🏽 The Feel Good Sense 🕺🏼
This isn’t a technical term. It’s the internal sense of joy, connection, and emotional safety that lights up a child’s whole system and prepares their brain and body to engage, learn, and grow.
What Does This Have to Do with Writing?
Parents often ask me which sensory system they should focus on to help their child’s coordination or writing. And while it’s true that the senses work together like a team, I’ve found that when the Feel Good Sense is activated, everything works better.
It’s like turning up the volume on all the other senses.
📺 Picture this:
Your child is smiling, fully immersed in play, joyful, connected. You’re in sync with them. The activity flows. Their body feels good. Their brain feels safe. And suddenly, their motor planning, coordination, and confidence start to grow.
That’s the Feel Good Sense in action.
But What If They Resist?
If your child seems “stubborn,” unfocused, or avoids certain activities, try activating the Feel Good Sense instead of pushing harder.
Even the most well-designed sensory or motor activities won’t land if the child feels overwhelmed, disconnected, or emotionally flat.
How to Activate the Feel Good Sense
Here are three powerful ways to get started:
1. Involve their passions or interests
Use their favourite topics, characters, or obsessions. When a child is engaged in something they love, their brain is primed for growth.
2. Foster connection and positive relationships
Get down on the floor. Join them in what they’re doing. Let joy and presence be your starting point.
3. Start from where they’re at
Don’t jump to what they “should” be doing. Understand the root cause of their writing or coordination struggles, and build from there using baby steps that feel safe and achievable.
You Hold the Key
So the next time you’re wondering whether you’re doing the “right” activity for your child, remember this:
🥰 You are the key.
Your presence, your connection, and your ability to bring joy into the moment is what activates your child’s Feel Good Sense.
And that’s what sets the stage for deeper sensory processing, stronger coordination, and more meaningful progress.
Want Support Getting Started?
If you’d like help getting to the root cause of your child’s sensory processing, coordination, or writing challenges, I’ve created a short video to help you know where to begin:
-Munira
