With Back-to-School quickly approaching you may feel a little compressed on time to get everything that you need in time. Don’t worry, we understand just how exhausting this time of year can be for parents. For some, the weight of it all is even heavier if you have a child with sensory processing disorder, (SPD).

For children, compression clothing can help to make you feel more at ease and have a sense of calm, fiving you the feeling that you can actually take on the day.

When pressure is applied to the body our parasympathetic nervous system comes on. This brings a sense of calm. In addition to simply feeling calm, the body also releases dopamine and serotonin, our feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are our helpers in the brain. They are our chemical messengers. These helpers are very important in our brain’s functions. They help with more than just making us feel good, but also our focus, learning and development, heartbeat, and even affect how we are able to concentrate and focus.

Going back to school shopping can be hard for both you and your child. But there are ways to make it easier. One way is choosing clothing that not only is comfortable for your child but is also going to support their emotional wellbeing. Compression clothing benefits your child by calming their nervous system. Much like a weighted blanket the benefits of a compression shirt, such as Compresso-T, which hugs the torso providing gentle compression. By providing a soft and supportive hug, your child will feel at ease throughout the school day.

Finding the right clothing for your child can be a real challenge. The fit has to be just right. No tags or seams can be present for a sensory-sensitive child. Some children may feel safe and the most comfortable being completely covered, or even want to wear heavier fabrics. Some children have described wearing Compresso-T as having a protective layer or barrier to the outside world. For children with SPD, this is supportive. When you have SPD the outside world can seem like a chaotic and very unsafe place. Being able to choose clothing for your child that allows them to feel protected and supported is a win for any parent.

Most children with sensory processing disorder can become nervous in new situations. This is due to the fact that at any given moment they may have multiple new stimuli coming at them from all directions, this is especially the case in school. Do you remember your first day of school? Butterflies and maybe even sweaty palms? This can be said for your child with SPD but turn that dial up to ten with all of the new senses they are coming into contact with within their new environment.

Help to remind your child that there are probably a lot of other nervous or even scared kids in school, too, and that they are not alone. Making an extra effort to help your child board the school bus or exit your car in the pickup line with confidence will go a long way. Giving them tools like compression can help make their day easier. Allow them to come home with minimal tears and no tantrums. Can you imagine your child coming home from school and sharing all of the exciting things they experienced because they felt safe and confident? Your child can feel that way with compression clothing from SmartKnitKIDS.