4 Strategies for Making Your Child's Sensory Sensitivities Less Painful

Do you have a sensory-sensitive child? 

I am a highly sensitive person. I experience a range of hyper-reactions to everyday stimuli.

When I was growing up, my parents didn't know about sensory processing challenges, but my mom always talked about how I refused (or complained) about every kind of clothing -- too stiff, bothersome seams, choking collars or suffocating tight fabrics. 

They all "itched." 

I still prefer soft clothes.

I get over-stimulated (and sometimes annoyed and unfocused) by a variety of scents, food textures, noisy environments, and other people's emotions.

Sensory processing challenges can be a drag for anyone, but they can be especially uncomfortable for young children who have fewer resources and less experience in coping with the genuine discomfort they feel.

Many difficult routines (brushing hair/teeth, bathing) will become more comfortable as children mature, and some (skin sensitivity, food textures) may remain as a unique part of your child's individual temperament.

There are sensory therapies which can help your child's nervous system adapt, relieving the distress and therefore the frustration everyone feels.

Children can also learn to manage their sensitivities with your acceptance, patience, and compassionate practice.

In this TEACHable Moments video, we'll talk about 4 strategies for making your child's sensory sensitivities - less painful.

Being sensitive doesn't mean staying STUCK. (Tweet It!)

I think it is also essential to include and recognize the impact of being intuitively or emotionally sensitive.

The inner knowing we are born with, which is often highly attuned to the feelings and motivations of others, deserves to be appreciated and strengthened. 

The gut instinct is something we want our kids to get good at recognizing and relying on as they mature, but the intuitive sense can be easily dampened by punitive discipline, criticism, and relationships which are not in harmony.

So, choose - consciously. 

This "knowing" will serve them well when their cognitive brains aren't able to maintain the secure connections needed to make good decisions.

I would love to hear your thoughts about what helps your sensory-sensitive child.   

Share your ideas in the comments below. Your story might be just what someone else was waiting to hear. 

Thank you so much for watching and sharing and please remember, it's about being conscious - not perfect!

Talk soon,
Lori

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