Pediatrician Breaks Down the Purpose of Four Quirky Kid Behaviors

While certain quirks can baffle, embarrass, and even worry parents, your child’s repetitive habits might actually be helping them regulate their senses. In this video, pediatrician Dr. Wanda Abreu breaks down the purpose of four quirky kid behaviors. For example, if you notice your child chewing or sucking on things, they may require more input to satisfy their sensory needs due to decreased oral sensitivity. Fidgeting, on the other hand, can feed a child’s hunger for touch while keeping their brain stimulated and engaged. Spinning may improve a child’s ability to stay calm and focused while activating the vestibular system, and sniffing things often helps a child feel safe and secure due to the way smells connect with the limbic system.