How to Manage a Sensitive Child

So, you have a child who goes from happy to frothing mad in a single bound? Who can't wear T-shirts with collars without acting as if you've put them in an Iron Maiden? A sensitive child is one who displays a very strong reaction to sensory input. Many children outgrow this, but it can be tough to manage at times.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Respect their sensitivities. They'll grow out of many of them, but you can't force them without sending a message that their concerns don't matter, which is crushing to self-esteem. Make sure you let them know that you hear them and respect their concerns.

2. Ask that they respond calmly to input that upsets them. Practice being calm yourself. A screaming, frothing fit brought on by the spray of sunscreen or a toothbrush can be upsetting to parents. But it doesn't help to add fuel to the fire with your own anger. Take a deep breath and once the child is calm, talk about how else they can respond.

3. Role play when they're calm. You want to minimize your child's negative reaction to things. Let them know that you understand that the shoes aren't comfortable, but you can't help them until they can speak to you in a way that communicates that information.

4. Avoid things that upset them, where possible. If they're desperately afraid of dogs, avoid the local dog park. If they hate to have tags on their shirt, buy shirts that have the imprint on the back, not a tag.

5. Remember that this shall pass. Children with sensitivities are often very bright, articulate children. As they mature, with your help, they'll turn in to good communicators who learn to either accept their sensitivities or work to avoid them as they can.

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