6. Follow the lead of your HSC. Pay attention to what your HSC needs, whether it’s less stimulation, more one-on-one time, or more time to process something. Forcing him to engage in an activity when he isn’t ready, for instance, will only make him suffer. Being attentive to what your child needs is not the same thing as spoiling him and giving into his every whim. It simply means listening to the cues of his high sensitivity, which all HSCs need help managing.
7. Find an outlet. Intense awareness is the reason why many artists, musicians, actors and scientists are highly sensitive. Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, Walt Whitman, Steven Spielberg and Elton John have all been linked to high sensitivity. Help your HSC find his own form of expression that will help him see his sensitivity as a gift and not a burden.
Try these exciting musical outlets or these outdoor summer activities
8. Create an environment of calm and order. Maintaining an orderly home is beneficial to an HSC. But the application of order needs to extend to the demeanor of a parent. Your child needs a parent who can stay calm under duress. Otherwise, he will always have two things to worry about: his anxiety and yours.
9. Encourage your HSC to try new things. If your HSC shows an interest in something new (within reason, of course), see that he tries it. This will get him more comfortable stepping outside the box.
10. Make sure your HSC gets enough rest. Because HSCs have heightened nervous systems, they need more rest and downtime to decompress and recuperate.
Wondering how to help your kids get better sleep?
Other tips to help with highly sensitive kids.
Deborah Song
