Being Over-Stimulated As A Mom 

I stopped using my phone. I found that if I was on my phone, and a kid wanted my attention, I immediately would feel annoyed and stimulated. I didn’t like feeling that way and I didn’t like how I was treating my kiddos in those moments, so I stopped. Being in the moment with the kids totally changed me and I hardly ever feel over stimulated anymore. 💕

I don't think I've ever clicked on a video so fast. Not because I'm a mom, but because I struggle with being overstimulated. Just a few days ago, I was in the kitchen cooking supper. I was listening to a podcast. Then my dad and brother started talking loudly. I had to take deep breaths and turn off my podcast and that helped.

We call them “mindful moments” in our home. When we feel overstimulated we announce we need a mindful moment and that gives us the space to pause and breathe, as well as invites those around us to get quiet and do the same. I get so overstimulated from time to time. Loved this video’s content. 🤍

Mess in the kitchen or being touched can really trigger me being over simulated. My son is still breastfeeding with 10 teeth (he's only just turned one) and it can hurt. I cried the other day feeling like a bad mom cuz I just wanted my husband to give him a bottle cuz I was touched out. I'm so happy we are living in a time where mama/ parent mental health is being talked about. I know seeing videos like this make me feel less alone, and I fully cried when you said that being over simulated does not mean you are a bad mama, felt that to my core, felt healing hearing it from someone other than my husband and my self

I am not yet a mom, I am not a housekeeper, I am not religious at all. But, Sarah, this video helped me a lot. It was a booster of self-love. Thank you so much.

I’m very much overstimulated by loud sounds and mess 😬 so as soon as the kids lay down for naps or another adult comes home I have a “quiet time” where I sit in my room with calm music and dim lights for an hour or so to reset and then carry on 🙂

Loud, omg, being loud is my trigger. My son is the same way, but he is so loud himself. He just doesn't like other people to be loud. I have other triggers, I instantly go into prayer...after 20 yrs of marriage and parenting, I've definitely gotten better. My little ones have a better momma than my older kiddos. 😮

You have no idea how much I needed to hear this. I was so overwhelmed yesterday being 9 weeks with my third. And my husband was working, babysitter was on spring break…. I had to check in mentally with my mom and tell her where I was at. She told me to take some deep breaths and pray… ❤it’s so hard being overstimulated all the time and having to hear, momma mommy mom……. Much love to your family! And thank you for your content

Amen, Momma! Loved this! Thank you. This hit hard for me being in a very stimulating stage of life with almost 3 under 3. I love what you said about the screaming all day not being "normal". So true. In the medical field "normal" means "common". Its definitely NOT normal. Babies cry when they're uncomfortable. Theres ALWAYS a reason and its our job to figure it out for the baby, us, and the rest of the family.

100% agree with the colicky baby stuff. Some babies have colic that is true... however my baby had a traumatic birth and he screamed non stop until he was 4 months old.... i brought him to the chiropractor and his ear was out of line.. once he got that adjusted he was a brand new baby.. no more screaming.

Thank you for this ❤ I’m not a new mama… I have teenagers down to toddlers and another one coming soon. I struggle with overstimulation from the massive noise and touching. It’s nice to hear other mamas struggle too and put my feelings into words.

That plant analogy got me. 😭🫶🏼 thank you!! Well of wisdom.

I've been waiting for this video!! I am soooo easily overstimulated (for example, I loooove hosting people but usually cry as soon as they leave after holding it together the whole time after being overstimulated). My husband and I want to start a family this year but this has been my biggest fear. Thank you so much!!

Seriously Sarah, thank you so much for this video! I am excited to try out some of these tools you've found helpful. 3 weeks postpartum with #5 and currently feeling over-stimulated at some point every day.

Okay girl we were twinning here, as I watched this video I was in my kitchen drinking LMNT out of a large mason jar! But to the topic of the video, I am not a Mum yet but I really appreciate your content because I feel like you are in many ways preparing me to someday be a Mum by giving me not only so much advice for everyday things I may one day face, but also a very real picture of what motherhood can look like. Thank you so much Sarah 🩷

Thank you for all these tips and it’s so encouraging to hear another mum talk about this! I recently discovered that I am a highly sensitive parent and being overstimulated was burning me out during my second parental leave. Now I’m home with my third and it’s been such a huge blessing knowing what triggers I have and how to cope. Also, great advice about the colicky baby, my first baby was extremely preterm and had reflux and was colicky but I never sought help as I was so exhausted after the NICU but it gave me so much anxiety her screaming constantly and I now wish I would have gone to a professional as that first year would have been so much better.

Omg yes. I always feel guilty when I’m overstimulated,but it has definitely helped to let my family know what I’m experiencing so they are aware and can help. Thank you, I needed these tips today. ❤

Congratulations for 100k subscribers 🎉

Thank you for sharing ❤ so relatable, and doesn’t always seem like other moms struggle with this through the perfect lens of social media, so this was refreshing to hear that you can still be a good mom, but also struggle with this ❤

I appreciate your transparency. I also appreciate you reminding mommas that the “blame-game” is never helpful.

Gosh, these tips are so helpful and encouraging!💛 It’s just so wonderful to hear from someone who really knows what it feels like.

Loved this vid! I’m a first time mama to a 9 month old, turning on jazz or any chill music (without words) as soon as we get downstairs has really helped with my overstimulation! Like you said too resting, I’ve started sitting down and having meals with my baby while he’s eating and even just laying on the floor while he’s playing. He’s so affectionate so he’ll come and give me kisses, hugs, or even just crawl all over me. I also Love that you say you’re overstimulated out loud, I’ll be in denial at times and I think that will help me a lot. Thanks for sharing ❤

Thank you so much for this! This came at just the right time, after being overstimulated and upset that I was overstimulated. Such wonderful encouragement along with amazing practical tips. ❤

Thankyou so much for sharing this. I have just been diagnosed as autistic as 32! And it all makes sense why I get so overstimulated. I appreciate you sharing, as normally I feel really alone and the only one who feels like this!

I love you discussing this! I experience this as I mom of multiple kids and homeschooling and working from home.❤

Thank you so much for sharing this! I struggle so much with sound overstimulation! ❤️

I loved this Sarah! I’m finishing out the last couple of months working as a very part time hairstylist to stay home full time with my 4 kids, and I definitely get overstimulated at times. Less than I used to, but just hearing all of this is a good reminder and definitely reminds me I’m not the odd one out❤

Thank you so much for this video! I feel like I have to much to learn from it, I'll need to watch it over again!

Every time I watch your videos I see everything easy, quiet and peaceful..is good to know that you are experiencing quiet the same issues as me.. I really want to improve the quality life of my family thanks for your advices

This came at a perfect time for me! Thank you Sarah! I’m a new mama with a baby who is about to be 1 and I’ve been struggling with burn out and overstimulation. The headphones are a great idea and the apron tip for taking a moment to yourself

This was a great video and honestly this issue is not discussed enough. Love your tips

Thank you. I needed this, I needed to hear this, I needed to hear some validation and I needed to know I'm not alone and that it's okay and it's not me... Thank you Sarah

You are so kind and thoughful to do this video for all other mothers 🙏🙏❤❤

I still have my older children take a quiet hour in their bedroom or outdoors in the afternoon by themselves on busy days when I know they will be overstimulated--it makes such a difference. Very good advice to say "I'm overstimulated" out loud and let the children hear you say it.

Hi, I'm a Mom of 4 young ones and I have ADHD (thank goodness for meds 😆) and my son also has ASD. Breathing exercises help a lot (smell the flower, blow out the candle 5x) is something I do all the time with my kids and myself

I needed this today. Thank you!

I recently figured out I'm a "highly sensitive person". I want to write this to help others that have the same. I couldn't figure out why I'm so sensitive to stimulus, much like adhd people, but I don't have the attention issue. My eyes are very light sensitive, which I thought was because I have light eyes, but my husband doesn't have the same issue with even lighter blue eyes. More than 2 things going on is extremely overwhelming. I'm very sensitive to smells, even someone's breath can give me an instant headache. It's all stimulus related, im not actually an emotionally sensitive person unless I feel cornered- I freeze and need to process. Loud noises or sudden noise triggers a flight response. I've always enjoyed time to myself in complete silence and little light. Having too many options is sometimes crippling. If I'm going to purchase something, I have to research every single little thing to make sure I'm getting the best option for the lowest price possible. Having kids is so insanely exhausting, yet I'm very intune to their needs and feelings. When they play loudly together, I have to remove myself. I struggle with anxiety as a result of constant overstimulation. It's sometimes hard for me to get going on tasks, but once I start I have to keep going. I'm highly effected by my environment and if my house is a mess, I'm stressed. Repetition drives me absolutely insane. These are just a few big ones. There is research and books on the "highly sensitive person". If you feel like these apply to you, look into it! There are resources for coping ❤

This video was so helpful, thank you so much for sharing ❤️

Thanks for sharing! I've never thought about this before, but after this video, I realize I do have this sometimes.

This was the most helpful and relatable video, Sarah ❤ thank you!

That came up to my feed right in time when I'm in my lowest taking myself in the room and declaring isolation out of overwhelmness (is that a word!?) Thank you Sarah great reminder

Just what i needed today. Thank you!

LOVE this sarah❤ your such a light on RU-vid 🙏

I'd recommend Loop earplugs to support this, they have noise reduction and don't need charging or connecting up so you can just pop them in and go. Game changer for kids mad half hour in the evening xx

This is the realest video you have made I love the honesty and encouragement 😊

Needed this today thank you

Thank you for this video Sarah ❤

Perfect timing for me, with 2 kids 2 and under I have been quite overstimulated. Thank you for this video!

Always the most inspiring content for mamas❤ thank you

Wow I needed this!

I needed this! THANK YOU! It makes me cry, the love of God ❤

Thank you for this video ❤

I’m easily overstimulated and a mum, so I mostly wear Loop earplugs when I’m around my lovely, yet noisy family. They help with levelling out high pitched sounds and muffle background noise. I still can participate in conversations, but the overall surrounding noise is reduced by a certain amount of decibel. Warmly recommend! Thanks for talking about this subject. x

Yes, Just had our newborn check with my chiropractor🙏🏻 highly recommend kids going regularly and your self to help with over stimulation and optimal health in general- it’s amazing

This is such a huge issue for me. Naming your emotions also really helps with emotional intelligence and regulation for yourself and kids so yes yes yes. Great tips. I have a child with autism and the crying and fits and meltdowns that kids usually outgrow...well... not in our family..it's so hard 😢

Thank you Sarah! This video popping up on my homepage really shows that God is listening to my struggles. I needed this today.

This video helped me so much! Thank you 🙏🏻 bless ✨🌸

Everytime I watch one of your videos I'm inspired. Thank you.

I love this vid. My first would scream all day and night and we were also told “it’s just colic” and that he’d outgrow it. Well it took a year to outgrow and my life and marriage and everything suffered because of it. Now he’s 3 and a super healthy kid, my marriage is stronger than ever, so I suppose he did “outgrow it” 🙄 but for fellow moms- really try and find the route cause. My second also started to be colicky and by the second week we took him to the chiropractor, I cut out the top 8 most common allergies, and he’s currently 4 weeks and doing soooo much better. No more screaming ❤️ and we realized he needed adjusted and has a milk allergy (I tried to add dairy back in and he got colicky again) So there’s always a reason. Good luck my fellow colic moms! You got this!

My husband and I struggle with this so much. Our second and 3rd children have both been super colicky. Our 3rd is almost 9 months and still screams VERY loudly often because of burps she needs to get out. I do think I'm handling it better than I used to, but that's mostly because I cut out all caffeine. Coffee started hurting my stomach, even decaf, so now I have a dairy-free DIY Mud/wtr each morning and I'm so much calmer. I don't know how I lived with the anxiety and on-edge feeling that coffee gave me!!!

Needed this today!! I have been super overstimulated this week😩😩

I get overwhelmed when my kids are constantly physically grabbing, pulling, or climbing on me. I don’t mean to be ungrateful for snuggles, etc. and I feel shame for it. But really I’m just overstimulated. 🤗

Such a beautiful life...live hearing about it. ❤❤

100K subs, finally!! 🎉🎉❤❤

Oh yeah, first babies as a young mom is a lot. I went through that too (like you shared with your first). I am sorry to hear that you go through things that over stimulate you. I don't really think I have gone through that in a long time. Probably not since my older kids were much younger. I feel for you though.

You have an incredibly beautiful home!

My trigger is touch. I the baby phase was very hard for me. My first born was like yours and the carrying and cuddling and nursing to sleep and contact naps never ended. I can’t stand whining and tantrum noises either so I got earplugs to use during the worst of it. But touch….gah. Your child playing with your dress definitely is something that would set me off. I’ve also been dealing with some sadness lately and just verbalizing that to my husband makes it almost go away entirely. I completely believe in airing out feelings very openly. It helps tremendously and is a great piece of advice.

Serenity now!!!!😮

My daughter had colic for the first 3 months of her life. The only thing that helped was taking her outside and both of us laying in our hammock.

Thank you so much for sharing! I too am easily overstimulated by noise in particular. I relate so heavily to literally everything you said in this video. PS: I second taking your colicky baby to a chiro! Our baby wasn’t colicky, but she was spitting up a crazy amount. Everyone kept saying it was normal… pediatrician was against children going to the chiropractor 😮?!?!?! & wanted to put our daughter on medication because “it is safer”. We found a chiropractor that specializes in women & children. Massive difference. Within 3 adjustments our daughter barely spit up anymore.

I feel soo seen right now. I have a 6mth old and I struggle with so much guilt with feeling over stimulated. Keeping things clean and tidy is the easiest and biggest way I help that for me but it frustrates my son and husband to always be cleaning and tidying.

Earbuds have been life changing to me! I wear just one - pretty much all day. I play audio books, podcasts, or videos like this for my brain to be able to focus on while still being able to hear my kids if I’m needed.

This sounds weird but when you mentioned the clothes, I realized my hair was overstimulating me too. I cut my hair short and it has helped soo much!

Thank you. ❤

What’s the paint color on your walls called?

I’m a mom of a 22 and a 16 year old and wife of a loud husband. I work at my daughter’s school in the kitchen so when I get home at 1, I want silence so bad and I don’t always get it so I understand overstimulated. My favorite hobby is reading which is quiet so my natural alone state is silence so adjusting to parenting and my husband does take work and sometimes I do not handle it well.

What kind of sound cancelling headphones do you have?

Earbud link? I’m also very easily triggered by noise and need to have a dampener. Like my corded earbuds but when they are pulled from my ears by cabinet corners and baby gates it gets worse.

What’s your smoothie recipe?? Do you have a video on it? I’m low on iron and have low energy!!

Lovely video

11:09 thank you much for saying this!!! I feel like colic is just a word people use when something is wrong and they don't know what. If a baby is crying there's definitely something going on.

Can you share some videos on how to create systems to make your house work for you? I miss your decluttering videos. You once said that you sleep better when you know everything’s place in your house, and it stuck with me, I’m chasing this feelings but couldn’t catch it. 😢

Ahh Sarah!! I love this so much and I’m so obsessed with your videos. Thank you for sharing your life with us and I love how you capture your day to day life as a homemaker, wife, and mom. Thank you for being so inspiring and I can’t wait to watch more videos you make! My favorite ones are your cooking/ baking ones! Ilysm and I hope you’re having an amazing day 💕

Talk about being honest. I specifically remember her saying how "underwhelmed" she felt with one child, so she had a bunch more. Made me wonder what I'm doing wrong. I usually watch these videos with hope to learn some mothering wisdom, she makes it look easy. I guess the truth is she's just as irritated as the rest of us and we have nothing left but cry with towels on our heads. Gee, thanks. Also, overstimulated is the new pc word for frustrated, angry and tired. Good luck gals!

Not even god expects us to be perfect 🤝 you’re doing an amazing job ☺️

Hi! I have to ask again because i want it haha where is your beautiful dress from!??

Your videos are helping me prep to be a first time mom. Side note you look and sound very similar to the tik toker Ebby Moyer. Every time I see her I think of you.

I clicked to say that I love the dress and modesty looks pretty on you❤ I've noticed many Christian women dressing more modestly but still super cute and I'm so here for it!

I'm overstimulated by noise and a messy environment. Time again to declutter.

I can’t even cook a quick dinner without my daughter trashing the entire house.

You got a pizza cutter! 😂

SO HELPFUL! THANK YOU!!!❤

May I ask you if this is your natural haircolor?

Funny, I never hear nobody talk about inner senses. We have 5 senses that everyone talk about yes, but very little people know about inside senses. All together we have 8 senses.

Apron over the face. Love it! You’re a modern day Joanna Wesley 🙏🏻 🕊️ ✝️

I have a question: have your kids ever been jealous of a new baby? I have three children and my second is now 4 years and is really going through a phase, a never ending phase, where she is extremely jealous of the new family member. So everything revolves around not "pissing" her off...And that really breaks me mentally to be completely honest 😮‍💨

After second child- motherhood drives me crazy. Too much everyrhing for me. Dream to have multiple children was strong that you decided. ❤️

4:18

Your home making and family are great, but YOU are the main reason we come here. Your cute haircut and amber / gold eyes are almost too much.

god bless you, you are really a super woman. Wish I could have tat home made cookie....Enjoy:)