Definition of highly sensitive people
Highly Sensitive People (HSP – Highly Sensitive People) have a particular sensitivity to emotional and physical stimuli. This quality can have a significant impact on their daily lives and interactions with the world around them. About 20% of children fall into this category and it is important to understand how this affects their development.
Characteristics of highly sensitive children
Highly sensitive children may exhibit the following traits:
✔️ Emotional sensitivity:
They react acutely to the emotions of others and can easily “get infected” by other people’s feelings.
✔️ Environmental sensitivity:
Strong sounds, bright lights, or clothing textures may make them uncomfortable.
✔️ Rapid fatigue:
They may tire quickly from socializing and active play, even if they were initially engaged.
✔️ Attention to detail:
Highly sensitive children often notice little things and changes in their surroundings that others may ignore.
How to support highly sensitive children
It’s important for parents to realize that highly sensitive children don’t shut themselves off from the world, but they can get tired quickly. Here are some guidelines:
1. Create a safe environment:
Provide a calm environment where the child can rest and recover.
2. Discuss feelings:
Help your child recognize and express his emotions. This will help him or her cope better with overwhelm.
3. Provide time for relaxation:
Make sure your child has opportunities for privacy and rest after active socializing or activities.
4. Respect their sensitivities:
Do not force your child to participate in situations that may make them uncomfortable.
Understanding the characteristics of highly sensitive children is key to their support and development. With the right approach and care, they can learn to cope with the challenges of their sensitivities and grow up to be happy and confident individuals.
How to help sensitive children adapt to our world
Sensitive children require a special approach to learn how to live, function, and be competitive in this challenging but interesting world. Here are some guidelines that may help:
1. Tune in to the child
Take into account your child’s high sensitivity. Do not perceive his behavior as deliberate disobedience. Parents who are sensitive themselves can intuitively respond better to their child’s needs.
2. Establish structure and boundaries
Boundaries help a child understand how their family is structured, creating a sense of security. Remember two important rules when setting boundaries:
• Permanence: boundaries should not depend on moods or seasons.
• Enforcement: The child must understand that yelling and whining will not get what he or she wants.
Boundaries serve to minimize conflict — remember this!
3. Create a clear daily routine
Control your child’s waking hours according to their age and try to avoid oversleeping. Tiredness and irritability can lead to frequent awakenings and short naps.
4. Analyze irritants and reduce them
If a child reacts to noise, do not force him to get used to noisy places. Sensitive children do not learn to cope with stimuli, but instead become overwhelmed. For example:
Annoyed by the seam of your underwear? Choose a seamless one.
Extremely noisy outside? Use headphones or cover your ears.
Doesn’t like change? Give advance notice of upcoming events.
5. Allow emotions to show
Holding back emotions can be harmful. Teach your child to express their feelings: sadness, anger, irritation and fear. This is an important step toward emotional health.
6. Increase predictability (rituals)
Introduce routine daytime rituals that your child enjoys. Consistency in bathing, feeding, and tucking in before bedtime will help create a comfortable atmosphere.
7. Provide time for rest
Teach your child to relax and take breaks so their nervous system is not overstressed. Quality sleep and free play help relieve tension and reboot.
8. Підтримуйте ініціативність і самостійність
8. Support initiative and independence
Sensitive children are curious but may be fearful. Encourage them to do things on their own and to try new things. If the child has had a negative experience, gradually introduce something similar but safe to replace negative associations.
9. Be calm yourself
Your calmness will help create an atmosphere of peace for the child.
10. Visit a child psychologist
Sensitive children may need outside support. A psychologist can help discuss negative feelings and experiences. Remember that it is okay to ask for help.
Remember: your love and support is a powerful tool to help your sensitive child find their place in the world. You are not alone in this journey, and every step you take brings you closer to harmony and understanding.
Regards, Anita Vayakanti,
Pediatric Perinatal Psychologist
& Art Therapist
