"How many alarms do you set in the morning?

I recently asked a group of teenagers this question and the average answer was 5.

What if I told you that your body has in built alarms?

How we respond to our body's first signs of alarm can lead to very different outcomes. When our brain detects a threat of any sort it alerts our body. We move from our parasympathetic to sympathetic service system. Typically our heart rates increase, our breathing quickens, our tummies might feel sore or sick, digestion is inhibited and often our bodies need the toilet. We can shake, sweat and muscles feel sore.

Our body's alarm signals vary from each person to person. For our own well-being it is important that we are aware of these sensations. As those raising or caring for children we're also responsible for helping children develop their understanding of these sensations.

Encouraging your child to describe their body sensations involves giving them simple language they can understand. Communication can be particularly difficult for an autistic or anxious child. We want to reach the point where they let you know something is wrong by perhaps saying 'I feel wobbly' so you can help them fell calm again. Together you can deal with those alarm signals before distressed behaviour develops.


How do I teach them?

- Get out the chalks. Have your child lie down and draw around their bodies. Talk through different moments together and get them to shade in what changes and happens to their bodies.
- Start having conversations about what happens to their hearts, breathing, temperature, body etc in different moments.
- Be their role model. Use the language yourself. Become aware of your own body sensations and share that language with your children.

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