All human beings have a certain degree of sensitivity . However, it seems that for some people this is a very marked trait; And when it comes to our children, this brings us new challenges in relation to parenting.
Keep in mind that this is not a bad thing, on the contrary, you have a living treasure, full of empathy and sensitivity .
Your child perceives the world differently, and as parents we can help him manage his emotions in the best way.
“The human being is what he is by bringing together in him the ability to think, the ability to feel and the ability to act. Our emotions, therefore, dignify us ”.
-Karina Zegers-
Why is my child so sensitive?
There is no specific reason why some people are highly sensitive.
All this has led to a lot of research to try to understand the reasons, and although a consensus has not been reached, it is well known that there are changes in the brain .
The National Institutes of Health demonstrated, through the use of scanners, that people with high degrees of sensitivity tend to have much greater activation in certain areas of the brain , such as those related to empathy and knowledge.
On the other hand, it can also simply be a trait of your child’s personality, or a functioning mechanism derived from certain past experiences (usually in early stages of development).
Aspects to take into account of your sensitivity
If your child is very sensitive, the way he receives and perceives information from the outside is probably different.
In addition, these very sensitive people tend to reason very deeply about what is happening around them, which overstimulates and on many occasions even saturates them.
Attention to details
His high sensitivity makes him more aware of the implications of everything that happens (to him) , paying special attention to details and small things that perhaps for most can go unnoticed.
The importance of emotional regulation
That your child is very sensitive is not a bad thing, but it can be beneficial for him that you can teach him to understand and manage his emotions properly to prevent him from developing anxiety or even depression.
How do I know that my child is very sensitive?
For parents and people around them, their high sensitivity is usually quite evident. Among the qualities and / or characteristics that your sensitive child may present are the following:
• They tend to be very shy and a little insecure.
• They are highly moved by the suffering of others.
• They are overwhelmed by strong stimuli such as noises , smells, tastes, etc.
• They prefer to play quiet games, often alone.
• They like contact with nature and the arts.
• They help others.
• They tend to reason deep issues to help others.
• They are highly emotional and tend to react strongly, such as crying easily.
• They are usually very creative.
• They are very supportive of others.
How can I help my son?
If your child is very sensitive, there are some things you can do to help him manage his emotions without having them negatively affect him. Please try the following:
Give him confidence
One of the most important things when it comes to very sensitive children is to offer them a space where they feel they can express themselves without fear or anguish. Making him feel confident with you is the key.
Show him closeness
For highly sensitive children it is very important to know content and we are not only referring to the emotional part, but also to the physical one. Hug him, show him that you are there for him at all times.
It should not always be physical contact, it can be a look or a smile from a distance.
Express what you feel
Many times we take for granted that our children know that we love them, because we show it with every act we do, but for them it is just as important to hear it from you.
It is not necessary to live saying how much you love him every two seconds, but to have words or phrases that confirm your love , such as “I really like the way you are, I feel very good by your side”, etc.
Help him express himself
Your little one is likely to feel overwhelmed at times and does not know how to express everything he feels. In these cases, it is essential to help him relax a little to reduce the burden of stress that this implies.
You can help him with breathing exercises, mindfulness or relaxation, there are many available. Remember to always do it in game form.
Pay attention
Many times the rush of everyday life makes this difficult for us, but it is very important that you take the time to listen to what your child has to say about what he or she is feeling.
Listen carefully and show that you care about what he is telling you. Never minimize how you feel.
Help him name what he feels
Sometimes children get very frustrated by not being able to express what they feel, because they do not have the correct words for us to understand.
That is why it is very important to work on emotions with him , so that he learns to distinguish and name them so that he can tell you what he really feels.
Compression is essential
Having a very sensitive child demands from us the need to learn to be much more empathetic to be able to put ourselves in his place and understand that perhaps our little one does not perceive situations as we do, and that some things that seem unimportant for adults, for him they can even be painful.
Forgiveness is important
Being very sensitive not only affects what happens more markedly than other children, but also, they can hold grudges and pain for a long time.
It is important then to teach them the importance of forgiving and letting go of those feelings that make you feel bad.
“We are forced to make decisions and prioritize, but by being very conscientious, highly sensitive people often come last.”
-Elaine Aron-
If you have a very sensitive child, you have nothing to worry about, your little one is a noble soul who cares and who feels his emotions with all his might, and there is nothing wrong with that.
However, as parents, it is important to help them understand and manage their emotions so that this does not affect them in a negative way; and never forget to show them all your love!
Photos | Cover (pexels), Image 1 (pexels), Image 2 (pexels), Image 3 (pexels)
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