10 Signs of High Sensitivity in Children
Does your child feels everything more intensely than other kids?
If this sounds like your child, you’re not alone.
Kids who are highly sensitive experience everything more deeply.
This trait, sensory processing sensitivity, is present in 15-20% of children.
If this sounds like your child, they likely have bigger feelings than other children, which can cause power struggles and meltdowns.
How do you know if your child is highly sensitive? Here is a checklist with 10 common signs a child might be highly sensitive.
1.) Strong Reactions to Sensory Stimuli
Does your child struggle with loud noises, bright lights, or scratchy fabrics more than other kids?
2.) Deep Emotional Responses
Does your child cry more easily or feel big emotions like sadness, anger, or joy more intensely than other kids?
3.) Overwhelm in Crowds or Busy Places
Does your child gets anxious or overstimulated in crowded areas like malls or parties?
4.) Takes Criticism Deeply
Does your child get deeply affected by a simple correction or criticism?
5.) Empathy for Others
Does your child often pick up on other people's emotions and feel them deeply?
6.) Struggles with Change
Does your child struggle with new situations or transitions, like starting a new school?
7.) Needs Alone Time to Recharge
Does your child need quiet time alone to decompress and feel calm after a busy day?
8.) Notice Small Details
Does your child often pick up little things others might miss, like a slight change in your mood or a small decoration in a room?
9.) Perfectionism
Does your child have high standards for themselves and others, and get frustrated if things don’t go perfectly?
10.) Intense Focus
Does your child have a tendency to get fully absorbed and focus deeply on a task or subject?
Do any of these sound like your child? Do all of them sound like your child?
High sensitivity is a strength.
But it can also cause challenges, especially when children need more support, or they don’t yet have the skills they need to navigate challenges.
If your child is struggling right now, I’d love to help your family create more peace and harmony.
You can schedule a call with me using the scheduling link above, and I can help with specific advice for your child and your family.
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Have you ever noticed how something as simple as leaving the playground, turning off a tablet, or getting ready for school can spark big resistance—or even a meltdown? For many children, especially those who are highly sensitive or deeply feeling, transitions are some of the hardest moments of the day. It’s not because they’re being “difficult”—it’s because their brains and nervous systems experience change differently. The good news: once you understand why transitions are so challenging, you can respond with empathy and tools that make them easier. Here are 5 common reasons transitions are tough for your child—and what you can do to help. 1. They’re Deeply Engaged in the Moment Highly sensitive kids often immerse themselves fully in what they’re doing—whether that’s reading, building, or playing. Being asked to stop feels like being pulled out of a world they love. How to help: Give gentle warnings before the change. Try: “Five more minutes of play, then it’s time for dinner.” Using a timer or visual countdown can help them prepare. 2. Their Brains Need More Time to Shift Gears Transitions require mental flexibility, which can be harder for sensitive nervous systems. Switching from one activity to another i s like changing lanes on a crowded highway—it takes time. How to help: Use consistent signals to cue transitions, such as a special song, a picture schedule, or a fun countdown routine. 3. Transitions Can Feel Like a Loss of Control Children often feel like transitions are imposed on them. That lack of control can trigger pushback or power struggles. How to help: Offer simple choices so they feel empowered. For example: “Do you want to brush teeth first or change into pajamas first?” 4. They Anticipate Stress in the Next Activity If your child expects the next step to be boring, stressful, or less enjoyable, they may resist leaving the current activity. How to help: Empathize first: “It’s hard to stop playing, I know.” Then, ease the shift with something to look forward to: “Want to bring your toy to the car so it feels easier?” 5. Their Nervous Systems Feel Every Shift More Intensely Highly sensitive kids notice and react to even small changes in environment, energy, and routine. What feels like a tiny shift to you may feel overwhelming to them. How to help: Keep routines predictable when possible. Create comforting rituals—like a goodbye hug, a special handshake, or a silly phrase—that help anchor them during transitions. The Takeaway Transitions are about more than just moving from one activity to another—they involve emotions, expectations, and a sensitive nervous system. With empathy and small adjustments, you can turn transition battles into moments of connection. 💛 Parenting a highly sensitive child isn’t easy—but it’s also filled with opportunities to build trust, closeness, and resilience. If you’d like more guidance on making daily challenges like transitions smoother, I’d love to support you. I offer one-on-one parent coaching tailored to families raising deeply feeling kids. Schedule a free call with me here.
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