Sensitive Children: Advice for Parents to Avoid Outbursts

The sensitivity of children to environmental stimuli often poses challenges in family life. Children who struggle with sensory hypersensitivity frequently react intensely to sounds, lights, or even their clothing that they find disturbing. These issues not only complicate the everyday lives of the children but also present significant challenges for the parents. Parents often find it difficult to understand why their child reacts so strongly to various stimuli.

The underlying causes of sensory sensitivity can often be neurobiological, which means that children may not be able to process sensory information properly. Sensory stimuli that are ordinary and tolerable for others can be unbearable for them. It is important for parents to understand that this behavior is not a rebellion from the child, but rather a genuine sensory issue.

Experts from the Vadaskert Child Psychiatry, such as Dr. Anna Madarassy-Szücs, provide useful advice and practical tips to help parents support their children through everyday challenges.

Clothing and Comfort Solutions

For children living with sensory sensitivity, everyday dressing can also be a significant challenge. The contact between sensitive skin and clothing can often lead to uncomfortable experiences. Parents should choose garments made from soft materials that do not have irritating seams, buttons, or zippers. Comfortable and simply cut clothes can help the child feel calmer, making daily routine tasks easier to accomplish.

When selecting fabrics, it is important to consider the child’s preferences. Some children, for example, prefer loose, baggy clothing, while others favor fitted pieces. During the dressing process, it is useful to try on clothes together so that the child feels involved in the choice, thereby increasing their comfort level.

In addition to the methods used during dressing, timing is also crucial. If the child is tired or anxious, getting dressed can be even more challenging for them. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a time when the child is at their most relaxed, making the selection and putting on clothes less stressful.

Managing Sensory Stimuli

For children struggling with sensory sensitivity, environmental stimuli such as loud noises or bright lights can often be unbearable. Parents should seek various solutions to help reduce these disruptive effects. For example, if the child is sensitive to noise, noise-canceling headphones or foam earplugs can help muffle environmental sounds, whether at home or while traveling.

To avoid bright lights, comfortable sunglasses with slightly tinted lenses can be beneficial. This can be particularly useful during sunny periods or in places where the lighting is too harsh. Children may also be more sensitive to various smells, so it is advisable to introduce scents that gradually acclimatize them to stronger odors. Chewing gum or mint candies can help children accept different smells more readily.

It is important for parents to observe their child’s reactions and, if necessary, develop appropriate solutions based on their experiences. The presence and understanding of parents can greatly assist children in navigating difficult moments more easily.

Routines and Support at School

For children with sensory sensitivity, establishing a consistent daily routine is essential. Familiar daily activities organized in a pre-planned schedule can help children feel secure. Routine activities can reduce sensory overload, as children will know what to expect throughout the day.

Parents should collaborate with preschools and schools to ensure that children receive the appropriate support. It is crucial for institutions to be aware of the child’s sensitivities and to provide the necessary accommodations accordingly. For example, if a child is sensitive to light, wearing tinted glasses during lessons may be permitted, or if noises are disruptive, the use of earplugs might be allowed.

The school environment can often be challenging, so parents should communicate openly with teachers and share their child’s needs. Working together can help children perform at their best and ensure that the learning environment is supportive.

Seeking Professional Help

If sensory sensitivity causes significant problems in a child’s life, it is advisable to seek professional assistance. Sensory integration therapy is an approach that targets the child’s neurological development, supporting them through movement and specialized tools.

This therapy occurs in a playful manner, providing children with opportunities to gain experiences in a safe environment. During therapy, children learn how to manage various sensory stimuli and how to respond to them in their daily lives. Under the guidance of professionals, children can gradually acclimate to different stimuli, reducing their anxiety and making their everyday lives easier.

It is important for parents to be open to professional help, as therapy can be beneficial for the child’s development in the long run. In addition to sensory integration therapy, other supportive methods exist that should be considered based on the child’s individual needs.