Parenting the Sensitive child

This braid represents so much more than just a throw back to the nineties.  It has been almost 5 years in the making.  For the first time in her life she has allowed me to braid her hair.

Because, pulling it up is too strong of a sensation.  Because, to have it up is a different feeling and all things different are a point of contention.

She is my sensitive child.  And all things, lesser or greater than her idea of expected, are overwhelming.

Sights, sounds, smells, touch, temperature, pressure and proximity all mean more to her than they do for me.

But she has taught me how to see the world through her eyes.  And hers is much richer than mine.  A blessed view I will thank her for till my dying day.

She notices.  Everything.  She feels. Everything.  She thinks on. Everything.

Gone are the days I could whisk through life being singularly focused.  Now I must stop to enjoy the “everything” we find in our path.

But there is sorrow for a sensitive child as well as beauty.  I believe my daughter feels pain and anxiety to the core of her being.  To rush her through a moment of reflection can leave her shattered inside.  Too many new experiences can lead to emotional overwhelm.  As much as, a lack of new experiences leaves her feeling agitated.  As if she will burst at the seams without new material to discover and devour.

She is brilliant.  Enchanting.  Reserved.  And brave beyond her not quite 5 years.  She is my inspiration.  My muse.  And I love her with all my being.

1. Learn to take your time.  Sensitive children take more time to do everything.  Plan on it.
2. Keep a partial schedule.   Certain things like meals and bedtime should usually be held to a stricter schedule but everything else needs to be moveable.  The sensitive child needs to be able to absorb themselves in healthy discovery when necessary to keep their eager minds calm.
3. Tell people in advance not to approach your child.  Or dress them in a way they can hide when necessary, like a hoodie jacket.  Many sensitive children want to watch and appear invisible before they are ready to commit to an introduction.
4. Have stimulating items around when necessary.  Keep small items they like in your pockets or their pockets for hand play and stimulation for whenever necessary.  Busy minds need busy work.
5. If it is uncomfortable for them, take your time. Even if it means years.  All good things come at some point.  Each child’s milestones happen in their own time.  Even if it is something as simple as a braid in their hair.