Many parents believe that having a highly sensitive child is a disadvantage, often seeing sensitivity as a negative trait that makes their child look weak or passive.
However, psychologists and neuroscientists discovered that, in the right environment, kids with highly sensitive brains actually have rare advantages.
Highly sensitive kids possess an underappreciated trait: empathy. They are more affected by their experiences than their peers, which means they benefit more from support, training, and encouragement.
How highly sensitive brains have an advantage
According to CNBC, despite misconceptions, the empathy advantage of highly sensitive kids is not a myth.
They have been found to exhibit greater creativity, awareness, and openness compared to their less-sensitive peers.
In the study, researchers presented participants with images of individuals expressing happiness or sadness.
Results showed that sensitive individuals had the highest level of empathic response in their brains.
In addition, areas related to action planning showed increased activity, indicating that sensitive individuals had a strong urge to help those in need.
Since sensitive kids are more deeply affected by their experiences than their peers, they tend to benefit more from support, training, and encouragement.
This "boost effect" can make them high achievers. Parents should be reminded that having highly sensitive kids is not a weakness but a unique advantage.
According to Parenting for Brains, parents can help their children thrive and achieve great things by understanding and supporting their sensitive nature.
The empathy advantage of highly sensitive kids is real and should be embraced and celebrated.
With the right environment and support, highly sensitive kids can excel in life and positively impact the world around them.
How parents can help highly sensitive kids to thrive
Having gained an understanding of the advantages of having a highly sensitive child, parents may wonder how they can help their child thrive.
To this end, several strategies can be employed to support and coach highly sensitive children.
According to Inside Out, one key approach is to help these children learn how to manage their deep emotions effectively.
This can involve teaching them techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive self-talk.
Additionally, parents can encourage their children to express their emotions through writing, drawing, or talking with a trusted friend or family member. Another important consideration is the use of gentle discipline.
Highly sensitive children may be particularly sensitive to harsh criticism or punishment, so parents should focus on positive reinforcement and consistent boundaries instead.
Praise for good behavior and modeling positive behaviors can go a long way toward helping these children feel secure and supported.
Allowing highly sensitive children to test the waters and explore their interests is also important. This means providing them opportunities to try new things while respecting their boundaries and comfort levels.
Parents can encourage their children to take risks and try new things while providing a safe and supportive environment.
Finally, parents should be prepared to advocate for their highly sensitive child when necessary. This may involve speaking with teachers, coaches, or other caregivers to ensure the child's needs are met.
Additionally, parents can help their children develop the skills they need to advocate for themselves, such as assertiveness and effective communication.
