How to recognize and support a child with high sensitivity?

High sensitivity is a trait that can be both a challenge and a gift. A sensitive child reacts more intensely to stimuli, is more empathetic and often tires more quickly from an excess of impressions. Understanding their needs and providing appropriate support allows for harmonious emotional and social development. How to recognize the traits of a highly sensitive child and how to help them in everyday functioning?

What is high sensitivity in children?

A highly sensitive child is a toddler who perceives the world in a more intense way than their peers. Their nervous system is more sensitive, which means they react more strongly to external stimuli – sounds, light, other people’s emotions. Highly sensitive children may show exceptional intuition and empathy, but at the same time feel overwhelmed and tired more quickly.

Characteristics of a highly sensitive child

✔ Feels emotions very strongly – both his own and those of others.
✔ Demonstrates great empathy and a desire to help others.
✔ Is prone to deep reflection and analysis of situations.
✔ Has increased sensitivity to external stimuli (e.g. loud sounds, intense light, smells).
✔ May tire easily in crowded places and need more time to recover.
✔ May be oversensitive to criticism and get stressed easily.
✔ Often avoids risky situations and new experiences because he or she feels insecure.

How to support highly sensitive children in school and kindergarten?

1. Providing a peaceful environment

✔ Create a space for your child where they can calm down and rest from excess stimuli.
✔ Limit noise and excessive stimuli in his environment.
✔ Help your child organize their space and routine to help them feel safe.

2. Emotional support

✔ Help your child name and express their emotions in a healthy way.
✔ Encourage conversations about feelings and teach empathy towards yourself.
✔ Teach relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness.

3. Support at school and kindergarten

✔ Work with teachers to adapt the educational environment to the needs of the highly sensitive child in preschool and school.
✔ Make sure your child has the opportunity to rest when they feel overwhelmed.
✔ Support them in building relationships with peers, helping them find their place in a group.

How to deal with a child's hypersensitivity?

✔ Accept your child's sensitivity as a natural trait, do not try to change it.
✔ Create a daily routine so your child has a predictable and stable environment.
✔ Avoid excessive extracurricular activities – highly sensitive children need time to regenerate.
✔ Find activities that will allow your child to calm down, such as reading, drawing, or walking in nature.
✔ Support in developing self-confidence and learning to cope with stress.

Summary

A highly sensitive child requires the right approach to develop their strengths while coping with the challenges of hypersensitivity. Providing a calm environment, emotional support, and help in building mental resilience is key. With the right methods, highly sensitive children can develop their talents and find their place in society, enjoying relationships and everyday experiences.