Dos and Don’ts of Interacting with Sensitive Children
Children who are easily upset are emotionally fragile. They often cry, worry about getting into trouble, and need a lot of reassurance. They feel everything intensely. This means they are very excited, angry, and extremely fearful.
Some children who are easily upset are not just emotionally sensitive; they are also reactive to physical stimuli like loud noises and bright lights. They may fear large crowds and struggle with any kind of change. As a result, sensitive children often hesitate to try new things and struggle with disappointment.
While strict discipline may help some children regulate their behavior, harsh punishments can cause more problems in sensitive children. Therefore, as discussed in this section ofchild upbringingonSelMagzit’s important to find ways to nurture and guide children who may be sensitive.
What are the signs of sensitive children?
Crying and Whining:When the child starts crying, they cry for a long, continuous period during the day.
Fidgeting:They seem unhappy with their surroundings, and they will try to engage with specific objects or even themselves, constantly moving around.
Pleading:If their demands are not met, they start begging and may resort to dramatic behaviors.
Anger:Any conversation with them ends with a provoking response. Even minor actions can upset them.
Disconnecting:The child completely cuts off communication with you. They stop talking, do not respond, avoid eye contact, and show no interest in anything.
How sensitive is your child?
There are specific techniques to determine how easily upset your child is. A yes or no answer to the following can help assess this sensitivity.
Emotional sensitivity towards oneself:
Can your child clearly express what they are feeling with words?
When watching a movie or reading a scary book, is their reaction noticeable?
When events they wish to happen do not occur, do they cry excessively and are difficult to soothe?
If you or others speak firmly to your child or criticize them for mistakes, do they get upset?
Emotional sensitivity towards others:
When a family member is upset in any situation, can your child recognize it?
If your child sees someone in a highly emotional state, can they understand the anger, sadness, or pain of that person?
If your child interacts with someone who is upset, are they able to understand or empathize with that person?
If most of your responses are strong yes or no answers, it usually indicates that your child is on an emotional spectrum where they can be highly sensitive.
Correct Parenting Patterns for Sensitive, Easily Upset Children
Accept Their Sensitivity:
If your child is easily upset, avoid trying to change their temperament. Instead of focusing on their crying and whining, emphasize their strengths and talents. Understanding what might be easy for an average child can be very challenging for a sensitive one.
As this section of SelMagz suggests, instead of discouraging children from experiencing big feelings, focus on teaching them how to manage their emotions in a socially appropriate way. Remember that wanting your child to be less sensitive is natural, but this sensitivity often makes them incredibly kind toward others.
Allow Them Rest Time:
Sensitive children can be affected by loud environments, bright lights, and chaotic settings. So, it’s important to limit overly busy schedules, restrict extracurricular activities, and provide safe, calm rest periods at home where they feel secure and relaxed.
You can also create a quiet corner at home with calming activities like coloring books or headphones with relaxing music.
Set Boundaries:
While it might be tempting to relax rules to avoid parenting a sensitive child, in the long run, exceptions can lead to problems.
While flexibility is important, remember that teaching responsibility helps children grow into responsible adults. Being too lenient may leave them unprepared to handle real-world challenges.
Ignoring discipline and order deprives your sensitive child of chances to learn and grow.
Praise Their Efforts:
Children who are easily upset need a lot of encouragement. Praise your child’s efforts even if they don’t succeed. Children who are regularly praised tend to have higher self-confidence.Self-confidenceincreases.
On the other hand, praising a child for doing what another child is capable of may have a negative impact. The goal is to acknowledge effort rather than just results.
Reward Children:
When sensitive children face challenges, they often feel bad. Instead of saying, “You can’t have dessert unless you finish your dinner,” say, “If you finish your dinner, you’ll get dessert.” Giving rewards helps to change behavior.
Teach Kids Emotional Words:
Children who are easily upset should learn how to name their feelings with words and find appropriate ways to cope. Sensitive children often show their parents how they feel about their behaviors. Teach children to express their emotions clearly.
Teach Problem Solving:
Sensitive children often feel helpless and may not know how to react. It’s important to help them understand how to find solutions that can reduce stress and anxiety.Providing problem-solving skills can make a big difference in daily life. Teach step-by-step instructions on how to handle problems so they gain confidence in managing unpleasant situations.Use Logical Consequences:Like other children, sensitive children need negative consequences. Just because a child cries or feels upset doesn’t mean they should avoid consequences. Make sure to assign appropriate punishments when rules are broken.Remove from Noisy Environments:
To reduce emotional sensitivity, avoid exposing your sensitive child to loud, chaotic environments that they find distressing, to help return them to a normal state. An intolerance for noisy places can worsen their sensitivity.
Give Them Time:
A child cannot quickly recover from an emotional anxiety episode. They may be irritable or rebellious. Provide a safe space and enough time; gradually they will calm down, return to reality, and start understanding issues.
Identify Triggers:
There may be specific patterns or situations causing your child’s sensitivity. Talk to them to understand what might have happened and what other things they might not be able to tell you.
Keep a Record:
Scientists and therapists worldwide have discussed the mental benefits of journaling. Starting this from childhood is a good way to nurture a sensitive child.
Manage Expectations:
Overly high expectations from parents can make a child more impatient and sensitive over time, as they face constant disappointment. Set clear rules for fulfilling needs and refuse unreasonable or excessive demands from your child.
Distract Them:
Many parents think that discipline is the best way to handle a sensitive child. However, distracting them with another activity can help divert their mind from stressful stimuli. This helps children cope with anxiety more effectively.
Avoid Making Them Anxious:
If there is a need to make changes in your child’s life, do it gradually to reduce worry and anxiety.
Child Sensitivity and Behavior
Playing with Sensitive Children
How to Interact with Sensitive Children
Signs of a Sensitive Child
