Parenting is an adventure filled with unexpected joys and challenges that shape us as caregivers. If you’re blessed to be raising a highly sensitive child, you’re embarking on a unique journey that offers its own blend of rewards and complexities. Highly sensitive children are like fine-tuned instruments, resonating with the world around them in profound ways. They might even be considered Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs); a term coined by Elaine Aron in 1991.
High sensitivity isn’t a flaw; it’s a distinctive trait where an individual’s nervous system processes stimuli more deeply and intensely. God created these kids to notice the subtleties in their environment—sounds, sights, and emotions—that others often miss. This heightened sensitivity creates a rich inner world but can also lead to moments of emotional overwhelm. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
As a parent of a highly sensitive child, I’ve navigated the unique joys and challenges that come with raising a child having this neurodivergent trait. Here are five faith-inspired tips to help you not only embrace your child’s sensitivity, but also point them toward Jesus.
- Recognize and accept your child’s sensitivity
The first step is acknowledging and celebrating your child’s sensitivity. Remember, your child was made uniquely by God with their sensitivities. By embracing this truth, you lay the foundation for your child to embrace their sensitivity with confidence.
When you recognize and accept their sensitivity, you give them permission to thrive as their authentic self. Remember you were hand-picked by God to raise your sensitive child. Accepting their sensitivity will help you guide them to use their sensitivity for a greater purpose.
- Create a safe space in your home
Life can be overwhelming for anyone, but even more for sensitive children who feel and experience the world more deeply. Consider designating a special corner in your home—a place where your child can retreat when they start to become overwhelmed. Fill this space with comfy blankets, books, and Bible verses. By providing a safe space, you’re teaching your child that it’s okay to take breaks to calm their emotions.
- Encourage prayer and open communication
Prayer and open communication are powerful ways to help your child manage their sensitivity. Encourage your child to share their concerns and feelings with you, then help them pray about it. Teach your child it is safe to talk to you about their feelings and how we can take our concerns to God. Even when feelings are overwhelming, he is there to give us peace. You could also get your child a prayer journal as an outlet to express their feelings in writing.
- Provide empathy and validation
When emotions get intense, your child needs understanding and validation more than ever. Rather than dismissing their feelings, step into their world while managing your own reactions. By validating your child’s feelings, you increase your parent-child connection and show them we all have big emotions at times. Demonstrating patience and showing them love during these times will help them regulate their nervous system without feeling shame.
- Teach your child how to regulate their emotions
Emotional regulation starts with you. Model these techniques for your child and help them practice. Teach your child how to pray, journal, take deep breaths, walk away, listen to worship music, or go outside for fresh air. Encourage your child to use these skills when they start to get overwhelmed or triggered. By modeling these skills, you are setting the stage for your child’s success. We shouldn’t expect our kids to do something if we can’t do it ourselves.
Raising a sensitive child comes with challenges, but it is also beautiful seeing the way they experience the world. Sensitive children are often creative, smart, empathetic, and make deep connections. The more we can embrace their sensitivity and see it as a gift, the better we will be able to parent them. Lean on God during the challenging moments, and remember, he is with you every step of this parenting journey.
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