Contents
1. What is an empath?2. Is your child an empath?
3. How to parent a highly sensitive child
Is your child more emotional than other children? Do they seem very in tune with the feelings of others? Or perhaps they are extremely sensitive to sounds, textures, or foods? You may have an empath on your hands. Read on to find out more.
What is an empath?
An empath is a person who feels empathy intensely, sometimes to the extreme. Everyone feels empathy, but not to the same degree. Some feel less empathy, some feel more.
Parenting isn't easy. No matter what your circumstances are. But, it can be especially challenging when you have a very sensitive child. But sensitivity is not a bad trait.
Empaths feel things very deeply and take on the feelings of others. This is not a problem that needs to be solved, just a different way of being. It’s simply how their brain works.
Is your child an empath?
Empaths have deep feelings 🥰 😭
Parent of empaths often note they were fussy as babies. As toddlers, they threw big tantrums. Even as older children, tantrums may continue.
Empathetic children may also cry easily and often, as well as be quick to anger. But the opposite is true as well. Empaths can be positively joyful.
Empaths take on the feelings of other people
Does your child seem to truly understand their friends’ feelings? When you are upset, do you notice your child becomes upset? Empathic children don’t just know what you are feeling, they feel it themselves.
Empaths are easily overstimulated 😵💫
Sensitivities to light, sound, texture, and food are common with empaths. Because they feel things so strongly, they can easily become overwhelmed by sensory input.
Empaths are cautious 👀
In new places and with new people, empaths tend to take a cautious approach. This is because they prefer to get a feeling for a new situation before they engage. Children who are empaths are sometimes described as being 'slow to warm'.
How to parent a highly sensitive child
✅ Validate their feelings - even (especially!) if they seem over the top to you. Don’t feel like you need to fix it, just be there for your child and accept whatever feelings they have.
✅ Create routines. Sensitive children need solid routines, time to unwind, and ways to get energy out. Build these into your day in predictable ways.
✅ Identify your child’s triggers. Do they always melt down when it’s time to clean up? Do they get overwhelmed under the bright lights of the shops? Try to prevent issues as you can, and be prepared to help your child cope.
✅ Schedule breaks during the day. Sensitive children need plenty of down time, so be sure you plan for some during a busy day or a trip.
✅ Aim for low key activities so as not to stress your child. Let them lead with their interests!
✅ Practice new coping skills. Teach your child how to take a calming breath or say, “I need a break.” You can play a game where you take turns role playing different situations and how to handle them. If kids practice when they are calm, they can access the skills later!
✅ Identify any food sensitivities your child may have. We all know sugar affects children and their moods, for example, but a highly sensitive child will have more intense swings from high to low.
✅ Try art. Sensitive children are often very creative and do well in the arts. And art can be soothing as well!
✅ Find a private tutor. Sometimes, sensitive children struggle in school because they are overwhelmed by the classroom environment. With a GoStudent tutor, they can work one-on-one in the comfort of their home. Book a trial lesson today! 🚀
