Raising Kids with Highly Sensitive Brains: Why Parents Should Celebrate Their Children's Unique Traits

As a parent, you may have noticed that your child seems more emotional, perceptive, and empathetic than other kids their age. Perhaps they get overwhelmed easily by sensory input, need more downtime to recharge, or become upset by criticism or conflict. If this sounds like your child, they may have what psychologists call a "highly sensitive" brain.

High sensitivity is a personality trait that affects about 15-20% of the population, including children. Highly sensitive children (HSCs) have a more reactive nervous system that processes sensory information more deeply than others. They tend to be more attuned to subtleties in their environment, such as sounds, smells, textures, and emotions. They may also have a rich inner life, a strong imagination, and a keen sense of justice. While some people may see high sensitivity as a weakness or a liability, parenting experts say that it can be a powerful asset for children who learn how to harness their unique traits. In this article, we'll explore 12 things that highly sensitive kids tend to do and why they can be an advantage.

They notice details that others miss.

Highly sensitive children have a knack for picking up on subtle cues that others overlook. They may notice the tiniest change in someone's tone of voice, body language, or facial expression and intuitively understand what it means. This ability can make them great observers, detectives, or artists who can capture the essence of a scene or a character.

They empathize deeply with others.

Because highly sensitive children process information more deeply, they also tend to feel emotions more intensely than others. They may cry easily at sad movies, become upset when they see someone else in pain, or feel overwhelmed by the suffering in the world. However, this sensitivity also allows them to connect with others on a deeper level and offer comfort, support, and understanding.

They ask deep, reflective questions.

Highly sensitive children are often introspective and curious about the world around them. They may ask profound questions about life, death, love, and meaning that leave adults scratching their heads. However, these questions also show that they are thinking deeply about important issues and trying to make sense of their experiences.

They prefer calm, peaceful environments.

Highly sensitive children are easily overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, or chaotic surroundings. They may need more downtime than other kids to recharge their batteries and recover from sensory overload. However, this preference for quiet, soothing environments can also make them more focused, creative, and productive.

They are intuitive and psychic.

Some highly sensitive children may exhibit paranormal or supernatural abilities that defy rational explanation. They may have premonitions, visions, or dreams that predict future events or connect them to a higher realm of consciousness. While these abilities can be unsettling for parents who don't understand them, they can also be a source of wonder and awe for the child.

They have a strong sense of justice.

Highly sensitive children are deeply attuned to fairness, honesty, and integrity. They may become upset when they see someone being treated unfairly, lied to, or bullied. They may also be passionate about social justice causes and want to make a difference in the world. This strong sense of morality can lead them to become advocates, activists, or leaders who inspire others to do the right thing.

They are creative and imaginative.

Highly sensitive children often have a rich inner life that fuels their imagination and creativity. They may spend hours daydreaming, drawing, writing, or playing make-believe. They may also have a natural talent for music, art, or storytelling that allows them to express themselves in unique and meaningful ways.

They are highly perceptive.

Highly sensitive children have a heightened ability to read people's emotions and intentions. They can sense when someone is being genuine or insincere, kind or manipulative, happy or sad. This skill can help them build strong relationships with others and avoid potentially harmful situations.

They are deeply reflective.

Highly sensitive children often spend time reflecting on their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They may be introspective and philosophical, pondering the meaning of life and their place in the world. This self-awareness can help them develop a strong sense of identity and purpose.

They are conscientious and responsible.

Highly sensitive children often take their responsibilities very seriously. They may be diligent about completing tasks on time, following rules, and fulfilling obligations. This conscientiousness can make them reliable and trustworthy individuals who are valued by their peers and teachers.

They are adaptable and resilient.

Highly sensitive children may have a harder time coping with change or adversity than others. However, they also have a strong capacity for resilience and adaptability. They may be able to bounce back from setbacks or challenges more quickly than expected and find creative solutions to problems.

They have a unique perspective on the world.

Highly sensitive children often have a different way of seeing the world than others. They may be more attuned to beauty, wonder, and meaning in their surroundings. They may also have a heightened appreciation for art, nature, and spirituality. This unique perspective can enrich their lives and inspire others to see the world in a new way. Parenting experts agree that raising a highly sensitive child can be a challenge at times. It may require more patience, understanding, and support than parenting a child who is less sensitive. However, they also emphasize that high sensitivity is not a disorder or a problem to be fixed. Instead, it is a natural variation of human personality that should be celebrated and nurtured.

Here are some tips for parents who are raising highly sensitive children:

Acknowledge your child's sensitivity and validate their feelings. Let them know that it's okay to feel things deeply and that their emotions matter.

Create a calm and supportive home environment that minimizes sensory overload. Consider using noise-cancelling headphones, dimming the lights, or creating a cozy retreat space for your child.

Encourage your child to develop their interests and passions. Support their creative endeavors, whether it's art, music, writing, or science.

Help your child develop coping skills for dealing with overwhelming situations. Teach them deep breathing, meditation, or visualization techniques to help them calm down.

Advocate for your child's needs at school or in social situations. Educate teachers and caregivers about your child's sensitivity and work together to create a supportive environment.

Having a highly sensitive brain can be both a blessing and a challenge for children. While it may require more understanding and support from parents and caregivers, it can also be a powerful advantage that leads to creativity, empathy, and insight. By celebrating and nurturing their unique traits, parents can help their highly sensitive children thrive and reach their full potential.