How to handle an emotionally sensitive child
Handling an emotionally sensitive child is never easy as they easily react to everything in their physical surroundings, they tend to be either very calm, introverted, or very active or stubborn. They get easily overwhelmed when they see others in emotional distress, and this calls for high levels of patience and understanding as a parent or caregiver. Don’t you worry if you still have problems managing your sensitive child, this article will be of great use. Here is how you can effectively handle an emotionally sensitive child.
- Give them some alone time
As a parent, you need to keep in mind that a sensitive child will always want her time and space, it’s as vital as breathing to them. You, therefore, need to be very understanding and compassionate and let her know that it’s okay to be quiet and to enjoy quiet moments by herself
create an environment in which your child feels comfortable to have a quiet spot where she can go any time she feels overwhelmed.
- Avoid severe discipline
You want to avoid spending hours calming and comforting your little one, at all cost avoid using punishments that will have your child throwing tantrums. Instead, teach her about expected behaviors and consequences.
- Avoid labels
As a parent, you go wrong when you keep on explaining to people how your child is sensitive, shy, or a loner. This really demoralizes her, and she may begin to consider her sensitivity to be a very permanent solution. You need to keep it in mind that you play a bigger role in modeling your little one’s emotions, therefore the need to focus on the positive traits that will influence how others view her. View her as thoughtful, mindful of others, peaceful, empathetic etc…
Phrases such as, she likes her quiet time, No, she’s fine, she’ll do it when she’s ready; can really save the day!
- Help them deal with their emotions
It is very hard for an emotionally sensitive child to regulate her emotions, and this is where you come in as a parent or caregiver. Make her understand that her emotions her valid, but she also needs to have it in mind that it is wise to deal with them so that she won’t hurt others. Talk about her emotions and help her learn how those emotions feel, and finally help her identify the tools that can help her deal with emotions.
- Do not try to change them
Understand that your little one cannot help but feel the way they feel, do not even think of changing her, instead accept and appreciate her for who she is. Research has shown that such kids are always endowed with several good qualities such as compassion, empathy, and care, they are also likely to have great talents such as acting, storytelling, writing, and art; the more reason you need to appreciate and embrace your child’s fundamental nature
- Show them some empathy
Highly sensitive children are always empathetic towards others, and often place others’ emotional needs before their own. It is therefore fair as a parent to show her empathy. For as much as it can be frustrating to have such kids at home, you need to keep it in check.
It is obvious that your baby is likely to grow into a sensitive adult however in as much as you are trying to manage these difficult emotions in your little champ’s life, it is important to know when to seek help for it also could be pointing to more serious issues. In the process, understand and accept that our child is imperative and help her grow into a healthy sensitive individual!
