Have you ever wondered how other parents of twins or triplets cope with the overwhelming noise and stimulation that comes with raising multiple children? In a world that can be chaotic and demanding, highly sensitive parents like yourself might find that it now only takes so little before getting triggered.
The book we are reviewing today, The Highly Sensitive Parent by Elaine N. Aron, addresses just that – it explores the experiences and challenges faced by highly sensitive individuals in their roles as parents. Read on if you’d like a quick list of strategies mentioned in the book, or purchase a copy to go more in-depth and read insights, strategies, and guidance for sensitive parents who often feel overwhelmed by the demands of parenting in today's fast-paced world.
Firstly, the author discusses the concept of high sensitivity, which refers to a trait characterised by heightened emotional and sensory processing.
Highly sensitive parents tend to be more attuned to their children's needs and emotions, but they may also struggle with sensitivity to noise, stress, and stimulation, which can affect their ability to cope with the demands of parenting.
In this book, she offers several strategies to help highly sensitive parents navigate the challenges of parenting. Here are some of the strategies mentioned in the book:
Self-awareness and self-care:
Recognize your own sensitivities and prioritise self-care activities that help you recharge and manage overwhelm.
In terms of finding time for myself, I am a runner and enjoy getting outside for a good run. As my runs got longer, I realised that it took more time away from the family/being at home. To get my runs in and still be present for the family, I either run early in the morning while the kids are still asleep or go in the afternoons/evenings when they are at extracurricular classes.
– Dr Kim, mother of 3 girls with Irish twins in the mix, on how she works runs into her hectic schedule
Setting boundaries:
Establish clear boundaries to protect your own well-being and communicate your needs effectively to others.
Embracing sensitivity as a strength:
Shift your perspective and embrace your sensitivity as a positive quality that allows you to connect deeply with your children.
Nurturing environment:
Create a nurturing and calm home environment by reducing sensory stimulation, maintaining a predictable routine, and providing a safe space for your children to express their emotions.
Effective communication:
Develop open and empathetic communication with your children, validating their emotions and actively listening to their needs.
Managing overwhelm:
Implement strategies to manage overwhelm, such as practising mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and finding healthy outlets for stress.
Self-compassion:
Cultivate self-compassion and practise forgiving yourself for perceived parenting mistakes, allowing yourself to learn and grow in the process.
Supporting highly sensitive children:
Understand the unique needs of highly sensitive children and provide them with appropriate support, including helping them manage sensory overload, respecting their boundaries, and encouraging self-expression.
Partnering with a sensitive parenting approach:
Communicate openly with your partner about your sensitivities and work together to create a supportive environment for both yourselves and your children.
Managing external influences:
Limit exposure to excessive screen time, social media, and other external factors that can overwhelm highly sensitive children and parents.
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To our fellow Mummies and Daddies, we hope these strategies help you embrace your own sensitivities, maintain well-being, and create a nurturing environment that supports your own needs as well as those of your highly sensitive child(ren). In other words, may you stay sane and survive this magical ride!
Enjoyed this book review and would like to read the actual book? Grab a copy of The Highly Sensitive Parent here.
