Have you ever noticed your child constantly jumping, crashing, squeezing, chewing or fidgeting — and wondered why?

It might not be “just behaviour”.

Often, it’s the body looking for something it needs — and that something may well be heavy work.

What is Heavy Work (and Why Does it Matter)?

Heavy work is any activity that involves effort through the muscles and joints — pushing, pulling, lifting, squeezing or resisting.

This type of input feeds into the body’s proprioceptive system — the system that tells us where our body is and how it’s moving.

When this system gets the input it needs, it can help the body feel:

• more organised
• more grounded
• more in control
• and safe

And when the body feels organised and safe… focus, calm and regulation often follow.

Why Some Children Seek It More

Some children naturally need more proprioceptive input than others.

You might notice:

• constant movement or crashing
• strong squeezing or gripping
• chewing on clothing or objects
• difficulty sitting still or focusing

These aren’t random behaviours — they’re often the body’s way of trying to regulate itself.

The Important Part: Not All Heavy Work Feels the Same

This is where things often get missed. Heavy work isn’t just about doing “more” — it’s about doing the right type and the right amount.

Some children:

• need strong resistance to feel it
• actively seek deep pressure

Others:

• become overwhelmed easily
• tire quickly
• prefer lighter, more controlled input

👉 The goal is finding the type and level of resistance that works for your child.

Different Ways to Get Heavy Work

Heavy work can show up in lots of different ways — and this is where you have options.

1. Squeeze & Resistance (Hands-On Input)

This is often the easiest place to start.

It involves squeezing, pulling or resisting through the hands — giving direct feedback to the muscles and joints.

 

 

 

 

 

Examples:

• therapy putty (varied resistance levels)
• hand rollers (steady, controlled pressure)
• firmer fidgets (like Smooshos or Nee Doh)

These are great for:

• seated tasks
• school or homework
• quick, accessible input

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2. Push & Pull (Whole Body or Seated Input)

This type of heavy work involves pushing against resistance or pulling objects.

Examples:

• chair bands (pushing through legs while seated)
• Squigz (pulling off surfaces)
• moving or carrying objects

This type of input can be especially helpful for:

• children who struggle to sit still
• adding movement without disruption

3. Grip & Fine Motor Resistance

Smaller, more targeted movements — but still powerful.

Examples:

• pinch pegs
• smaller resistance tools
• magnetic fidgets with push/pull feedback

These can be a great option for:

• building hand strength
• quieter, more controlled input

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Matching the Right Level of Resistance

Not every tool will suit every child — and that’s okay.

A helpful way to think about it:

• If your child avoids or tires quickly → start with lighter resistance
• If your child seeks strong input → offer more resistance
• If you’re unsure → begin in the middle and adjust

Sometimes it’s not about the activity — it’s about how it feels to the child.

When to Use Heavy Work

Heavy work can be layered into everyday routines:

• before school → to prepare for focus
• after school → to release built-up energy
• during seated tasks → to support attention
• before bed → to help the body settle

It doesn’t need to be complicated — consistency matters more than duration.

When You’re Not Sure What’s Right

This is where many families get stuck.

While heavy work can be helpful 👉 choosing the right type and level can be trial and error.

If you’re unsure what will work best for your child, or want guidance specific to their needs:

👉 You can book a 15-minute consultation with Kirstie
BOOK HERE

This can help you:

• better understand your child’s sensory profile
• choose the right level of resistance
• avoid overwhelm (for both you and your child)

The Takeaway

Heavy work isn’t just an activity — it’s a way of helping the body feel organised and regulated. And it doesn’t have to look one specific way.

There are many ways to provide it:

• squeezing
• pushing
• pulling
• resisting

The key is finding what feels right for your child. Because when their body gets the input it needs — everything else often becomes easier.

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Bio

Kirstie Wishart M.Ed (Special Education).
Owner and founder of The Starfish Store. Kirstie’s professional life has included: teaching (in both public and private schools in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand), lecturer and subject coordinator at the University of Wollongong, Educational consultant (working with children and young people with a trauma background), OoHC Case Work Manager, and Specialist Tutor (working with children and young people with significant learning difficulties and/or disabilities).