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

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

"The ability to cope with violent emotions depends to a certain extent on the age and development of the child. It is important to understand that emotional sensitivity is a high sensitivity to emotions, and such children experience them more intensively than others." - explain the publication's experts Parents.

How to help an emotionally sensitive child?

Uncontrollable emotions can complicate life. Over time, the situation may improve, but it is important for you, as parents, to know ways that will help develop your child's emotional awareness and teach him healthy skills now.

Universal tips that you should take note of:

Support the child's feelings

"If a child cries when he is hit, the first thing you can say is: 'Nothing terrible happened' or 'The injury is not serious.' But such a reaction can cause anger or disappointment when you deny what the baby feels. This makes him hold on to these emotions even more and get upset," says psychologist Elinor Bash from Highland Park. The expert advises to listen and accept all the child's emotions, even if they seem illogical.

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

Help the child name the emotions

You can say: "You look sad now" or "I think you're angry." Try to express your emotions yourself: "I'm sad that we can't go to Grandma's today" or "I'm surprised that the guys were so angry." And also - discuss the emotions of characters from books or TV shows: "How do you think this hero feels?".

Share Information

Children like to be aware of what is happening. For example, if your baby is afraid to go for a vaccination, explain to him why it is necessary and what is the benefit of it.

Set realistic goals

Set certain boundaries before starting something new. If your child is emotionally sensitive and wants to put together a large puzzle with 300 elements, warn him: "This is more complicated than other puzzles. Perhaps, shall we start with something easier or do it together?".

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

Learn the necessary skills together

Learn skills together with your child that will help him cope with difficult situations. For example, deep breathing will help you calm down and feel the "here and now" moment. Also use positive statements such as: "Everyone makes mistakes", "I'm just learning and getting better".

Let's take breaks

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

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

Choose methods of relaxation

Make a box for the child with items that help raise the mood: books, coloring pages, colored pencils, stickers, and the like. Ask him what makes him happy, and use these methods if necessary.

Separate feelings and behavior

Having reached a certain age, children must learn to express their emotions in an acceptable way. For example, explain that shouting in the middle of the store is not the best idea. Teach him to perceive certain situations more constructively.