When parents hear the term “highly sensitive,” they often mistakenly associate it with being high maintenance. However, highly sensitive (HS) children are not just more demanding; they are deeply attuned to their surroundings, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. Understanding the signs of high sensitivity can help parents support their children in becoming the best versions of themselves.
Signs
1. Highly Aware Of Changes Around Them
Highly sensitive children often notice subtle changes in their environment, including shifts in people’s moods and the atmosphere around them. This heightened awareness can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety.
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2. Affected By Other People’s Emotions
These children are deeply empathetic and can absorb the emotions of those around them, which may cause them distress when others are upset.
3. Highly Empathetic Individuals
Their ability to empathise is profound, making them compassionate friends and vulnerable to emotional exhaustion.
4. Sensitive To Sensory Triggers
Highly sensitive kids may react strongly to sensory inputs such as bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures. For instance, they might refuse to wear clothes that feel uncomfortable against their skin.
5. Inquisitive – Ask Loads Of Questions
Their curiosity drives them to ask many questions about the world, often leading to deep conversations about feelings and experiences.
6. Perfectionists With An Intense Need For Control
These children may exhibit perfectionistic tendencies and can be rigid or inflexible when things do not go as planned, leading to frustration and distress.
7. Very Intuitive And Perceptive
Highly sensitive children often possess keen intuition, allowing them to pick up on details that others may overlook. This can make social interactions complex for them.
8. Uncomfortable Clothing Bothers Them
Ill-fitting or itchy clothing can be a significant source of discomfort for HS children, impacting their willingness to engage in certain activities.
9. Feel Anxious In New Situations/Environments
New experiences can be particularly daunting for highly sensitive kids, who may prefer familiar settings where they feel secure.
10. Shy Or Introverted
Many HS children thrive in quieter environments and may feel drained after social interactions, preferring solitary play, smaller gatherings, and quiet time alone over loud social situations.
11. Reactive To Seemingly Inconsequential Situations
They may respond intensely to minor frustrations or changes, which can appear disproportionate but stem from their deep processing of emotions.
12. Experience Emotional Extremes
Highly sensitive children often feel emotions more intensely than their peers, leading to extreme reactions and difficulty managing frustration when things don’t go their way.
Tips to Help Your Highly Sensitive Child Blossom
1. Acceptance
It is crucial to accept your child’s unique quirks and abilities. This acceptance helps them feel at ease with who they are and reduces anxiety about their sensitivities.
2. Encouragement
Encourage your child to embrace their valuable qualities like empathy and intuition. These traits will help them connect with others and navigate relationships more effectively.
3. Patience
When your child experiences a flare-up due to sensitivity, avoid showing frustration. Instead, calmly discuss the situation with them and guide them through coping strategies.
4. Understanding
Take time to understand what triggers your child’s sensitivities and what helps them feel calm. Work together to avoid these triggers or develop coping mechanisms for unavoidable situations.
5. Support
Creating a cosy nook at home where your child can unwind after an overwhelming day is beneficial. Maintain an open dialogue about their feelings and ask how you can assist them in managing stressors.
7. Validation
It’s essential not to dismiss your child’s feelings as mere overreactions. Instead, listen actively and help them articulate their emotions, validating their experiences as real and significant.
By recognising these signs and employing supportive strategies, parents can help highly sensitive children navigate their world more comfortably and confidently.
