As a parent of a hypersensitive child, you may be at a loss as to how to handle your child. A toddler who is considered hypersensitive is very sensitive, easily becoming overwhelmed by high levels of stimulation, when sudden changes occur and become highly temperamental.
Though a good toddler care center may have teachers trained to handle this, you may not be accustomed this type of personality. You may have no idea how to deal with your child during certain situations. Below is a small guide as to how you can care for your child when they are cranky or hard to deal with.
Is your child considered to be highly sensitive?
If you are wondering if your child is highly sensitive, there are ways to do so. Questionnaires can help you to determine if your child is subject to being sensitive more than others. A professional therapist can also help you to understand if your child is considered highly sensitive. Once you have determined your child’s HSC, you will then need to understand the condition is not an illness or a syndrome.
The temperament is inborn and can be found in around 20% of children. The condition has children to take everything into account before they act and allows the child to sense danger and see consequences before others do.
While these characteristics are good, there are also misunderstood traits to HSC. Many parents tend to see sensitive children and consider them to be shy or inhibited, even fearful or fussy. If you could actually see inside the child’s mind, you would they are quite intuitive, full of wisdom, empathy and creativity.
How to deal with a cranky Toddler
When your child is HSC and tends to become cranky or oversensitive to every situation, it can become exhausting. You must take care to be emphatic so that you can understand your child instead of getting frustrated or angered. When your child is acting out, instead of being upset, try to understand.
Try to talk to your child and understand why they are feeling the way they are. You must listen and accept the emotions of your child even if the instance does not seem logical to you. Help your child focus on a solution of the issue rather than working to chastise or become frustrated at your child for feeling a certain way.
How to be sympathetic to your child’s needs
Be sympathetic to your child’s needs during their behavioral tantrums. Listen to your child’s needs. For example, if you tell your child they cannot visit a friend’s house, they may become weepy, and start to cry. You can then give him or her words to show how they feel.
For example, saying that you understand they are sad that their friend cannot come over. Give the feeling a name so your child can begin to cope with feelings rather than sending out only emotions.
What to do with attention seeking behavior
It is normal for your child to seek attention and approval from a parent. However with an HSC child, the behavior can become problematic. Many children will misbehave to gain attention and this is the negative way to do so. You must learn how to eliminate the bad behavior without eliminating the need for approval or attention.
Explain to your child every situation so that they know you care and understand their need but patience must be adhered to. Set rules and boundaries so your child understands how to act in every situation.
Take your time to learn about the behavior and give your child the opportunity grow and become a better person by discussing issues, explain emotions and feelings correctly to your child.