236 E. Foothill Blvd., Suite C | Arcadia, CA 91006
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S. Abigail McCarrel, LCSW, DCSW

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Parenting the Highly Sensitive Child

February 26, 2021 by BBYMCCRRL75216 2 Comments

Small, highly sensitive child holding a parent's hand as viewed from behind

Parenting the highly sensitive child can be tricky. If your child is sensitive to the emotions of others, worrisome and easily overwhelmed by changes or new people and environments, you may have a highly sensitive child. Parenting can be demanding, and parenting a highly sensitive child can present additional challenges. However, with a few simple strategies, you can better manage everyday problems and create a more peaceful home for the both of you.

Change Your Viewpoint:

First, it’s important to change your viewpoint. Your initial reaction might be to see your highly sensitive child’s special needs as a detriment, rather than an asset. However, highly sensitive children tend to be more creative, insightful and empathic. With proper guidance and understanding, your child will grow into a happy and well-adjusted adult.

Encouragement and Praise:

Your highly sensitive child will maintain his sensitivity into adulthood. Therefore, it’s crucial that he learn as a child to embrace and manage his emotions. Feeling shame about his sensitivity could cause him to develop anxiety and depression as he ages.

Validate your child’s feelings by encouraging him to express himself, and listen when he speaks. Encourage your child to manage his emotions rather than suppress them. Don’t ask or expect your child to “toughen up.”

Your sensitive child will also benefit from praise on a job well done, as this will help him develop confidence in himself. Be specific and detailed in your praise, so your child knows what to do next time.

Help Them Prepare:

Sensitive children can become easily overwhelmed by new environments and people, so a little preparation can be helpful to both of you. For example, if your child is headed to a new classroom, prepare him a week or so in advance by visiting the school, playing in the playground and meeting some of the teachers. Reassure him that it’s natural to feel a little anxious, and that the other children are nervous as well.

Create a Safe Space:

It’s often important for highly sensitive children to retreat to a quiet place where they can be alone with their thoughts. Their safe space can be a literal space you’ve created, or it can be as simple as a container of crayons, blank paper and their favorite stuffed animal in a quiet area of the house. I work with all my families to set up a Calming Corner in their home.

Get Involved:

If you notice that your child tends to isolate or have great difficulty in social situations, try volunteering for field trips or as an occasional recess or lunch monitor.Caucasian female therapist with inviting look on face, wearing in a blue top and having long brown hair, sitting at a wooden breakfast table suggesting the possibility for Family Therapy with a highly sensitive child. Encourage your child to participate by interacting with the other children. When he sees you having fun, he’s more likely to go from observing to participating.

With love and gentle guidance, your highly sensitive child will develop a confidence and self-acceptance that will carry him into adulthood

Contact Abby:

If you would like support in guiding your highly sensitive child, then give me a call (626) 755-4059.  I offer a FREE, 20-minute phone consultation. Let’s co-create a plan of healing for you or your family.

 

 

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Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: #Parenting, 2e, family guidance, family therapy for gifted, mindful parenting, mindfulness, online family therapy, online therapy, parenting a sensitive child, parenting gifted children, sensitive child, sensitive parenting, sensory, sensory sensitivity

Comments

  1. Leslie D says

    February 27, 2021 at 10:37 pm

    Wonderful advice – as a grown-up “sensitive child”, I find the tips you have provided very helpful. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Abby McCarrel says

      March 2, 2021 at 2:57 am

      I am so glad that you found the information useful. Strength for your journey.

      Take care,
      Abby

      Reply

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S. Abigail McCarrel, LCSW, DCSW



Phone: (626) 755-4059
sabigail@protonmail.com
Contact Abby

S. Abigail McCarrel, LCSW, DCSW

Phone: (626) 755-4059 sabigail@protonmail.com

Address
236 E. Foothill Blvd., Ste, C
Arcadia, CA19006

S. Abigail McCarrel : Welcome Home Family Therapy


The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice

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