Hypersensitivity is not to be taken lightly, especially when it concerns children. Here are 6 sentences that it is important to say to your hypersensitive child.
Some parents find it difficult to navigate, hypersensitivity, HPI… How do you know if all this affects your child? And how to adapt to it? While some psychologists argue that these syndromes do indeed affect children, others do not agree at all. For Caroline Goldman, for example, being HPI or hypersensitive are qualities and not illnesses. However, you may find yourself facing a psychologist who defends these syndromes.
So if your child is diagnosed as “hypersensitive”, there are things not to do and things that can help them. Hypersensitivity is not uncommon since it affects approximately 15 to 20% of the French population and is characterized by a higher than average sensitivity. Whether it is a great empathy, a strong sensitivity to sounds, to light, hypersensitive children can also feel out of step with the rest of the world. To help them, here are 6 phrases they need to hear.
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A hypersensitive child must feel listened to
Certain easily applicable attitudes can prove to be of unparalleled importance for hypersensitive children. As a parent, it can be painful to see your child confronted with difficulties, but know that the education you bring him will be one of the keys to his success. Thus, there are a few sentences that a hypersensitive child needs to hear, to feel both in agreement with himself and surrounded.
- To express his emotions : “If you can’t express what you feel, try to draw it, sing it, show it to me with toys.” You can also suggest that he try to put his feelings into words when he is able and then discuss them. It is also important to validate what he feels: “Yes, it must have been frustrating not being able to climb that rock climbing wall.”
- To accept his difference : “It’s normal to have strong emotions, and to express them, to talk about them. You should never be ashamed to cry, or hold back your tears, everyone cries.“Do not hesitate to share your own emotions, how you are feeling at this very moment…
- To tame his hypersensitivity : “Try to find what allows you to soothe your emotions, and put it into practice when you feel it’s overflowing: count to 10, breathe very hard, shout a big blow,…“While for us it can be natural to know how to control ourselves, for the hypersensitive any emotion can be perceived as explosive and overflowing.
- To remind him that you are there for him and that he is loved : “I’m here, I’m not going anywhere, I love you, and together we will manage what overwhelms you.” Remind him of the love you have for him, that he can always count on you,…
- To reassure him about his difference : “Hypersensitivity is part of you, but it does not sum you up. You are YOU, and you have the power to be whoever you want.”
- To show him that he has the right to make mistakes : “You have the right to make mistakes like anyone on this earth.” Then brainstorm together to find solutions and for him to understand why it was a mistake.
Finally, if you have a hypersensitive child, the most important thing is to accompany him as best as you can and of make him love his difference which is also a strength. It goes through words, gestures,… As a parent it is also normal to crack, don’t forget that no parent is perfect. Moreover, do not hesitate to get help if you need it or feel it would be beneficial for your child. Finally, specific extra-curricular activities can help him learn to manage his emotions: music, visual arts, theatrical expression, sports, etc.
Whether we are hypersensitive or not, we have all felt a sense of shame. A mockery, a misplaced comment or a terribly embarrassing situation can put us in a feverish state. Try to identify the source of your shame to attempt to bypass using this test on Psychologies.
Parenting writer
On the lookout for news and the latest discoveries, Carla puts her pen at your service. Passionate about science and medicine, she brings another perspective in …