Raising a highly sensitive child
Being highly sensitive is not a disorder or a diagnosis, but rather a personality trait that affects about 20% of the population, including children. Highly sensitive children are often deeply empathetic and have a strong sense of justice and fairness. They have a heightened awareness of their surroundings, emotions and the feelings of others. Highly sensitive children may feel deeply, get overwhelmed easily and have intense reactions to even small changes or stimuli, however they also have unique strengths and talents.
Some signs of a highly sensitive child include:
Reacting strongly to sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights or scratchy fabrics
Becoming easily overwhelmed by large groups of people or new situations
Being very empathetic and concerned about the feelings of others
Getting upset by criticism or conflict
Having a rich inner life and being creative
Being deeply affected by media and news stories
Being highly intuitive and picking up on the emotions of others
Raising a highly sensitive child can be a rewarding experience, but it also presents unique challenges. However with the right support and understanding, highly sensitive children can thrive and use their unique qualities to make a positive impact in the world. Here are some tips for raising highly sensitive children:
Understand your child’s needs: it’s important to understand that highly sensitive children have unique needs and may require more support and validation. Take the time to understand what triggers your child and what helps them feel safe and secure.
Validate their feelings: highly sensitive children may experience emotions more intensely than others, so it’s important to validate their feelings and let them know that it’s okay to feel that way they do. Avoid telling them to “toughen up” or “get over it”.
Provide a calm and stable environment: highly sensitive children may become overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or chaotic environments. Provide a calm and stable environment at home that helps them feel safe and secure.
Help then develop coping straegies: teach your child coping strategies that work for them, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or talking to a trusted adult.
Encourage self-care: encourage your child to take care of themselves and their emotional needs. This may include taking breaks when they feel overwhelmed, engaging in calming activities, or spending time alone.
Celebrate their strengths: highly sensitive children often have unique strengths, such as empathy, creativity, and intuition. Celebrate these strengths and help your child see them as positive qualities.
If you are wondering if you child might be highly sensitive, here is an online quiz. For more information on raising a highly sensitive child, check out the book The Highly Sensitive Child by Elaine Aron.