How To Recongnize A Highly Sensitive Child (HSC)

Did you know that apparently 1 in 5 children is born with a heightened sensitivity?! Were you a Highly Sensitive Child? Do you care for a child who displays these sometimes peculiar behaviours?

It means that they have a sensitive nervous system and are acutely aware of subtleties in their surroundings. They are also more prone to being much more receptive to stimulation.

And whether they will experience and perceive this heightened sensitivity as an advantage, or disadvantage later in life will be dependent on many factors.

The most profound being: a caregivers ability to recognize these characteristics and help that child navigate this sometimes harsh world.

Apparently according to a Harvard study on the trait of 'sensitivity' when these children were infants they experienced allergies, insomnia, constipation, and colic much more frequently than the 'average' child who was not considered as 'sensitive'.

Would we be justified to conclude that the higher levels of stress that these children perceived and experienced had a profound impact on their health?

Common Characteristics Of Highly Sensitive Children

I must confess I don't have children but I was a Highly Sensitive Child.

And I can confirm that I endured many situations that were extremely stressful for me, but not anyone else.

Noise. Light. Certain smells. Certain foods. The way some people 'felt' when I was in their presence.

A tone which sounded absolutely unbearable in my head. It was as if the volume was turned up to maximum on certain things.

The sound of traffic, especially loud motor bikes and trucks just overwhelmed me to the point where momentarily I felt physically sick (and still do!)

I felt nauseous and lost my appetite if I saw an animal suffering. I felt like my heart was going to explode when I felt tension from people who suppressed their fear, trauma, or rage.

Highly Sensitive Children have low tolerance for artificial colours, flavors, and processed foods.

And spending extended periods in artificial environments can cause stress and anxiety.

Their inability to express the specific cause of their suffering or discomfort may be very confusing to them, and anyone observing their seemingly inappropriate response.

HSC's are easily overwhelmed by many things, and feel stress for a more prolonged period of time.

They need more quiet time than others.

Being in nature is very soothing to their irritated nervous system. And the company of a pet is very restorative.

Importance Of An Empathetic Care Giver

Looking back now, growing up as a Highly Sensitive Child was very challenging.

Especially since forty years ago this subject was completely unknown to most people. Except if you had a highly intuitive and empathetic mother.

I'm grateful I had a mother like that. She did her best, she was quick to observe my overwhelm and inability to cope.

She never forced me to socialise or made feel there was something wrong with me because I loved spending most of my time quietly by myself, usually surrounded by a mountain of books!

My only regret is that I missed the opportunity to thank her for all those subtle things she recognise, which made a significant difference to me. She died a coupe of years ago. She too was a HSP.

We share a special connection with those like us, Highly Sensitive others. We are able to wordlessly communicate and 'sense' their loving essence.

It gives me some comfort though, to be able to share these insights with other mothers.

Even though I don't have children of my own, I know these observations can make a tremendous difference to Highly Sensitive Children who experience this world through a filter that's challenging for others to understand.

We as care givers or parents can help these sensitive souls navigate this life with greater ease and self confidence.

Highly Sensitive Children have many brilliant gifts to share.

They are extraordinarily creative, visionary, and sense an indescribable amount of love that many people don't comprehend.

With their sensitivity they are able to perceive beyond the veil of illusions. They are here at this time to 'hold' the energy of love.

And particularly need our compassion, patience, encouragement and reassurance to be able to fully share their gifts with the world, and reach their highest potential.

Please watch my latest video on this subject here How To Recognize A Highly Sensitive Child

If being Highly Sensitive is a subject of interest to you, please subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch more videos and self help insights for HSP's.