Highly Sensitive (and Under-Sensitive) Kids

Published: Aug. 4, 2021, 8 a.m.

b'When a parent first hears about highly sensitive kids\\u2013 or their opposite, sensory seekers\\u2013\\xa0it can provide a profound moment of recognition, of connecting the dots for things about our kids that up until now have baffled us.\\nWe think understanding these sensory tendencies can help us parent our kids more effectively and compassionately. Not every kid who shows hyper- or hypo-sensitivity will go on to require occupational therapy, struggle in school, or anything else. But as childmind.org explains, ""These problems can be tough on kids, and get in the way of them functioning effectively, learning, and making friends."\\nEvery kid who displays these behaviors and preferences can benefit from a parent who understands and can therefore effectively support and address for the otherwise confusing behaviors that might ensue. We don\'t have to accommodate every dictate of an extremely picky eater, or messy playroom caused by a sensory seeker\\u2013 but it\'s worth exploring, because it can really help us as parents to understand where these things might be coming from.\\nHere are links to some helpful writing on this topic: \\nthis image from Miracle Maker Mom\\nchildmind.org: Sensory Processing FAQ \\nAmanda Morin for understood.org: Sensory seeking and sensory avoiding: What you need to know\\n\\nSpecial thanks to this month\'s sponsors:\\nHappy Dance skin care products are made with premium ingredients, including the highest quality CBD. Get 15% off your first Happy Dance order by going to\\xa0doahappydance.com/laughing.\\xa0\\nHelix customized mattresses will give you the best sleep of your life! Get up to $200 off all mattress orders, plus two free pillows, at helixSleep.com/laughing.\\nStitch Fix Kids\\xa0is here to ease the stress of shopping for kids\' clothes! Go to stitchfix.com/kids/laughing and get 25% off when you keep everything in your Fix.\\nDesign like a pro with Canva Pro! We use it for all our images\\u2013 we\'ve upped our game and saved time too. Right now,\\xa0\\xa0you can get a FREE 45-day extended trial when you go\\xa0to canva.me/fresh.\\nThe\\xa0Cozi\\xa0Family Organizer is for anyone juggling camp schedules, practices, meetings, doctor\\u2019s appointments, and maybe a date night once in a while. Download\\xa0Cozi\\xa0for free from the app store!\\nItalic is a new kind of everything store. They offer quality goods from the same manufacturers as leading brands for up to 80% less. Sign up for an Italic membership at italic.com/join and use code WHATFRESHHELL for 30% off.\\nMagic Spoon cereal gets protein into your kids\\u2019 breakfast- and with 0 grams of sugar. Go to magicspoon.com/FRESH and use the code FRESH at checkout to get $5 off!\\nJane.com\\xa0is a boutique marketplace featuring the latest in women\\u2019s fashion, accessories, home decor, children\\u2019s clothing, and more. You will not believe the prices!\\xa0Visit\\xa0jane.com/laughing.\\nHooked on Phonics is the learn-to-read program that has helped over 6 million kids learn to read. And now it offers a multi-sensory approach, which uniquely combines an amazing app with\\xa0hands-on learning materials shipped to your home every month. Get your first month for just $1 by going to hookedonphonics.com/laughing.\\nSome other podcasts we\'re loving right now: \\nStrollerCoaster: A Parenting Podcast is created by Munchkin, the most beloved baby brand in the world. Hosted by Faith Salie, this podcast is about the ups and downs of parenting life. Follow or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!\\nBobby Wonder is a kids\' podcast from GoKidGo that the whole family can enjoy. Bobby Wonder is a typical guy who just found out he\'s from another planet. If your kid also loves to laugh, save the world, and eat waffles, subscribe or follow "Bobby Wonder" wherever you\'re listening right now.\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices'