The needs of Highly Sensitive Children
Highly sensitive children need space carved out of each day to process and have quiet time in order to avoid overstimulation and dysregulated nervous systems.
Highly sensitive children (or a HSP – highly sensitive person) are those who are more perceptive and responsive to their surroundings than others. They tend to be more empathetic, intuitive, and emotional than their peers, and they often feel overwhelmed by sensory input. This can lead to overstimulation, anxiety, and a dysregulated nervous system.
To avoid these negative outcomes, it’s important for parents and caregivers to create space in each day for highly sensitive children to process and have quiet time. This can be achieved in a number of ways, depending on the child’s age, interests, and needs. This is where you don’t need to feel guilty for screen time, after a long day of activities or overstimulation, a bit of quiet time with a screen (or a book) is ok!
One effective strategy is to establish a daily routine that includes designated quiet time. This could involve reading, drawing, or simply sitting quietly for a set amount of time each day. It’s important to make this time non-negotiable, so that the child knows they can rely on it as a safe and calming space.
Another strategy is to provide a sensory-friendly environment that minimises unnecessary stimulation. This could involve using soft lighting, playing soothing music, or limiting access to electronic devices that can be overstimulating. By creating a calming environment, parents and caregivers can help highly sensitive children regulate their nervous systems and avoid becoming overwhelmed.
It’s also important to recognise that highly sensitive children may need more downtime than their peers. This means allowing for periods of rest and relaxation throughout the day, not just during designated quiet time. This could involve taking a break from activities or socialising, or simply having some alone time to recharge.
Finally, it’s important to validate and support the needs of highly sensitive children. They may feel different or misunderstood by their peers and caregivers, and it’s important to let them know that their sensitivity is a strength, not a weakness. By providing a safe and supportive environment, parents and caregivers can help highly sensitive children thrive. Do take into account that they can often have much bigger emotions when things upset them – it can take more energy out of them than a child who is less sensitive. Learning to be ok in those emotional situations without judging or shaming can be hard if that space wasn’t held for you when you were young. See if you can be aware of this when it arises.
So, highly sensitive children need space each day to process and have quiet time in order to avoid overstimulation and dysregulated nervous systems. By establishing a daily routine, creating a sensory-friendly environment, allowing for downtime, and providing validation and support, parents and caregivers can help these children thrive and reach their full potential. A really great instagram account that is super helpful at supporting HSP is Natalie from the Highly Sensitive Family. Give her a follow if you think you or your child might be highly sensitive.
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