Mom says kids' impulsive behavior can be reduced through sensory stimulation

By Staff Writer

A guest blogger for MomLogic.com claims that many young kids make messes because they lack other physical stimulants.

The author recently wrote that children that are not allowed to use their hands and senses in a controlled manner are more likely to engage in messy and disruptive behavior. For example, she said her 5-year-old son squeezed out an entire tube of toothpaste, rubbed deodorant all over the wall and drained out a bottle of perfume all in one day.

She said that many children act on muscular impulses by squeezing, rubbing and pulling items. A parent may avoid a mess by giving their kids the appropriate objects to play with, such as tape for tugging and a bag full of paint for squeezing. To ensure the pouch of paint is safely secured for handling, she suggested placing one bag inside of a second bag.

According to LiveStrong.com, the book Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing cites several causes for impulse control disorders in children, including brain trauma, dysfunctional family dynamics and a strong fear of abandonment.