How parents can help highly sensitive kids thrive
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Elaine Aron, psychologist estimates that around 15% to 20% of people could be classified as extremely sensitive.
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Although parents may worry about what their child might face if they are sensitive, psychologists tell us that children who have this ability can thrive in a supportive environment.
Highly sensitive people are able to process things more deeply, whether they be positive or negative.
Psychologist Elaine Aron claimed to have coined “highly sensitive individual” in 1990s. He also used the scientific term sensory-processing sensitivity to refer to the term.
Aron estimates that between 5% and 6% of the population lives in this area. around 15% and 20% of the populationCould be classified as being highly sensitive. Aron also dispelled some negative stereotypes about being sensitive. For example, people who are more timid than others because they have this trait. According to Aron, 30% of people who are highly sensitive are extroverts.
Her work with highly sensitive children is a particular highlight of hers. Aron referred to researchA monkey species with genetic variations that makes them more susceptible to stress and “uptight”.
She explained that “But when they were born to skilled mothers, their mothering skills led them to be unusually capable, becoming often the leaders of the troops.”
Aron stated that this gene variation has also been discovered in humans. He argued that the genetic variation “enables many benefits, including improved memory, decision-making, and general mental function.”
How can parents help their highly sensitive children succeed?
“Structure, boundaries”
Aron shared via email with CNBC that parents need to be conscious that sensitive children can feel the effects of their surroundings at school and home. Aron suggested parents should be involved in creating the right environment for their children: “It’s not acceptable to assume these kids will behave like other kids and manage.”
Aron explained that permissive parenthood doesn’t work for highly sensitive kids. In indulgent parenting is where the rules and guidelines are not enforced on the child.
But she said it was about creating balance. She explained that children who display these characteristics “need structure and boundaries but not harsh punishment.”
Aron stated that there are other characteristics that highly sensitive children should be encouraged by their parents. He said that the fact they think deeply and pay attention to detail makes them “wonderfully inventive.”
She stated that “with all of this thinking and observing, they tend towards being cautious. Parents shouldn’t push too hard, but should balance it with encouraging encouragement when their child is able to succeed.”
Avoid labels
Verity Alexis (a child, educational, and community psychologist) told CNBC that parents should encourage their sensitive children to learn self-awareness, as well as to feel unashamed of what they feel.
This oversight by parents is a way for children to recognize their feelings and then “internalize quite robust working models where they can have an understanding about themselves.”
Mina Minozzi is a child psychologist who recommends that parents of sensitive children get in touch to their school teachers so they can be on the same page regarding how to best support their child.
Her advice to parents was also to avoid using labels on children, such as “shy”, or “emotional”
Minozzi instead suggested parents should pay more attention to the positive aspects of being sensitive such as empathy and observation.
Minozzi also stated that parents need to be “guiding” their children with any side that causes a block, or that is causing emotional dysregulation.
To help them understand, show them books that feature stories from children of similar traits. This will make it easier for them to “feel like they aren’t alone.”
Take a look at: How parents can encourage kids to follow their interests without being pushy
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