Ivy felt Too Much All at Once

Ivy usually manages just fine—but when too many loud, fast, unpredictable things happen in a short time, her senses become overwhelmed. From basketball training to a noisy family dinner and a crowded school assembly, it all becomes too much. In this gentle story, children learn what sensory overload can feel like, how to recognise when they’re ‘full,’ and how to start building their own calming toolbox. Whether they’re highly sensitive themselves or have friends who are, this episode helps children understand, empathise, and rest well at the end of a big day.

Parent Conversation Guide

1. Conversation Starters
Ask your child:

• “Have you ever felt like Ivy? Like everything was happening too fast, too loud, or all at once?”
• “What do you think it means when someone’s ‘full’? How can we tell when that’s happening?”
• “Did any part of Ivy’s day sound like something you’ve experienced before?”
  
  

2. Helpful Phrases to Use
Try saying:

• “It sounds like your jar is getting full—would a quiet moment help?”
• “You’re not being ‘too much’—you’re just feeling a lot right now.”
• “We all feel full sometimes. Let’s figure out what helps you feel safe again.”
• “Would it help to make a list of what fills and empties your jar?”
  
  

3. Skills to Model and Encourage

• Help your child build a ‘calm toolbox’—this might include drawing, jumping on the trampoline, reading, music, or sensory toys.
• Talk about what overstimulation can feel like (racing heart, tired eyes, wanting to hide) and name it when you see it.
• With siblings or friends, model compassion by saying things like: “Sometimes Ivy just needs a quieter space. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to play.”
• Share times you have felt overwhelmed and what helped you come back to calm.
  
  

4. If Your Child Isn’t Highly Sensitive
 Use this episode to develop empathy:

• “Not everyone feels the world the same way. What do you think it would feel like to hear and feel everything more intensely?”
• “What are kind ways we can help someone who’s overwhelmed?”
• “What could we do if a friend is quiet, teary, or needs space?”
  
  
  

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