What to do if your child is emotionally sensitive: 8 universal tips

Each child is individual and has its own characteristics, so it is important for parents to be attentive to them and understand their needs. Because if one child grows up more restrained in emotions and easily copes with them, then another may demonstrate the exact opposite situation. Read more about children's emotions in this material.

“The ability to cope with intense emotions depends to some extent on the child’s age and development. It is important to understand that emotional sensitivity is a high susceptibility to emotions, and such children experience them more intensely than others,” – the publication's experts explain Parents.

How to help an emotionally sensitive child?

Uncontrolled emotions can make life difficult. The situation may improve over time, but as a parent, it's important for you to know ways to help your child develop emotional awareness and teach them healthy skills now.

Universal tips to take note of:

Support your child's feelings

“If a child cries after being hit, the first thing you might say is, ‘It’s okay,’ or ‘It’s not serious.’ But that can lead to anger or frustration when you deny what your child is feeling. This can make them hold on to their emotions and become more upset,” says Highland Park psychologist Elinor Bash. The expert advises listening to and accepting all of your child’s emotions, even if they seem illogical.

Tips for parents of an emotionally sensitive child. Source: unsplash.com

Help your child name emotions

You can say, “You look sad right now” or “I think you’re angry.” Try expressing your own emotions: “I’m sad that we can’t go to Grandma’s today” or “I’m surprised the boys were so angry.” Or discuss the emotions of characters in books or TV shows: “How do you think this character is feeling?”

Share information

Children like to be informed about what is happening. For example, if your child is afraid of getting vaccinated, explain to them why it is needed and what the benefits are.

Set realistic goals

Set boundaries before starting something new. If your child is emotionally sensitive and wants to complete a large 300-piece puzzle, warn them: “This is harder than other puzzles. Maybe we should start with something easier or do it together?”

How to teach a child to control emotions. Source: unsplash.com

Learn the skills you need together

Learn coping skills with your child that will help them cope with difficult situations. For example, deep breathing can help them calm down and feel the moment “here and now.” Also use positive affirmations, such as: “Everyone makes mistakes,” “I’m just learning and getting better.”

Let's take a break.

Allow your child to take a time-out or ask the teacher for permission to leave the classroom for a minute if they need to calm down.

What to do if your child is very sensitive to emotions. Source: unsplash.com

Choose calming methods

Make a box for your child with items that help lift their mood: books, coloring pages, crayons, stickers, etc. Ask them what makes them happy and use these methods as needed.

Separate feelings and behavior

Once children reach a certain age, they should learn to express their emotions in an acceptable way. For example, explain that yelling in the middle of a store is not a good idea. Teach them to perceive certain situations in a more constructive way.