Sensitive kids are often misunderstood. They can be seen as weak or needy when in reality, they are just highly attuned to the world around them. As parents, it’s important to understand what makes your sensitive child tick and how best to help them navigate through life.

Several things must be kept in mind when parenting a sensitive child, and connecting with a child therapist can be rather eye-opening. For now, here are a couple of tips on what to do when disciplining sensitive kids:

1) Accept One’s Sensitivity

The first step is to simply accept that your child is sensitive. This means not trying to change them or make them act differently but just fully understanding the way that they are. It also means not taking their sensitivities personally. Just because your child is sensitive doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong as a parent.

2) Understand the Power of Downtime

Most children need a bit of time to decompress after a long day at school or a busy weekend of activities. Sensitive children, however, tend to need more downtime than other kids. They are often overstimulated by all of the sensory information around them, and if they don’t get the time and space to relax, their emotions can quickly become overwhelming.

3) Set and Balance Firm Limits

Firm limits are an important part of parenting, regardless of your child’s personality. Plus, sensitive children often need very clear boundaries because they can have a hard time understanding social cues and when it’s time to stop. That doesn’t mean you should be overly strict, but it does mean that you must be consistent with your rules and expectations.

4) Recognize Efforts

Children are a lot more likely to follow and stick to the rules if they observe that their efforts are appreciated. So, if your sensitive child is trying to follow a rule or handle a situation in a more appropriate way, be sure to recognize their efforts. Praise them for their hard work, and let them know you’re proud of them.

5) Offer Rewards

Rewards can be a great motivator for children of all ages. So, if your sensitive child is struggling to follow the rules, consider setting up a reward system. This can help your child develop good habits, and it can also help you avoid power struggles.

6) Work on Words and Verbalization

If you’re concerned that your child’s sensitivity is impacting their ability to follow the rules, consider working on words and verbalization. This means teaching your child how to express their feelings in words. The goal is to help your child feel more comfortable communicating their needs and wants.

7) Walk Them Through Problem-Solving

If your child is struggling to follow the rules, consider walking them through problem-solving. This means helping and empowering your child to identify the problem, brainstorm solutions, and then choose the best solution. 

8) Avoid Punishing Consequences

When disciplining, it’s paramount to avoid harsh consequences. This means that you should avoid using punishment as a way to discipline your child. Instead, focus on using positive reinforcement and logical consequences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, being a parent who handles and disciplines sensitive kids can be a unique experience. However, it is important to remember that each and every child is different and will respond to different methods of discipline. 

Want to speak with a child therapist in St Joseph Mo? Riverbend Life Strategies offers coaching and counseling for the sensitive soul. Get in touch with us today!