Dear Mom of a Highly Sensitive Child,

I want you to know that I see you and that you are not alone.  While your child is sitting on the sidelines or melting down after school, I know how you feel.  When no one seems to understand what you go through on a daily basis, know that I do because I have experienced it.  I am experiencing it along with you every day. Raising a highly sensitive child is an emotional roller coaster full of ups and downs and I am strapped in the front seat of the ride with you!

It’s hard to raise a sensitive child in a tough world.  The guilt and doubt you feel is normal. There will be days when you lose patience and days when you feel like a horrible mom.  Are you doing what is best for them? Are you the best person for this job? Will they be okay? Will they have a friend to eat lunch with and play with at school?  The fact that you are asking these questions proves your child is lucky to call you mom.

You feel like you are walking on eggshells all the time, unsure of what will cause the next emotional outburst. Will the bathroom have a noisy dryer?  Will it be too crowded and chaotic at the birthday party? When frustrations and anger emerge you are at the receiving end because they feel safest with you.  They know you will not judge them like the rest of the world.

I know the frustration you go through when trying to help your child with seams in socks in the morning and food aversions at meals.  Your patience running short as you fight off exhaustion from middle of the night wakings.

I understand the heartbreak you feel when your child is scared to separate from you.  Only you seem to know how brave they are for going through their day when everything is too much for them.

I see your sadness when your child struggles to join in with their peers while other children run around carefree.

The jealousy that creeps up when you see other moms socializing at the park, the pool or their child’s sports game, I know that too. How come their child can play happily while your child clings to you in fear?!  It’s a loneliness that other moms can’t comprehend.

I see your determination to be their advocate when it comes to figuring out ways to help your child in a world that overwhelms their sensitive soul.   You tirelessly try to figure out ways to educate school staff and teachers and help them understand your child. I know the comfort you feel when people get it and the anger when it falls on deaf ears.

I see you struggling with your child’s fear of failure and and your efforts to teach them that perfectionism is a myth.

Amongst the struggles, I also see the happiness.  While the world may see a timid child, a mother sees strength.

I feel your happiness when your child finds another kid that they connect with and you see the amazing friend that they can be.

I see you bursting with pride when they accomplish something that other mothers take for granted, because their child accomplished it with ease.  

I know the pure joy you feel exploding from your heart as you see your child finding the courage to try something that you know is hard for them.  You see their confidence grow as they succeed.  When they are not quite ready, you reassure them that they will get there in time

With each new year comes new challenges. Some you can help with and some you will find that they need to face on their own.  They know that your love and support is a constant they can depend on in a world that is always changing.

You are their voice when they can’t find the words, their strength when they aren’t brave enough yet and their rock when they need to let all their emotions out.  You see the quiet bravery that is invisible to everyone but you.

You are amazing. You are enough.  You are mom.

Can you relate?  Let me know in the comments below. 

Then join our private Parents of Highly Sensitive Children Facebook Group to get ongoing support!

FREE HIGHLY SENSITIVE CHILD RESOURCE LIBRARY

Get access to cheat sheets, checklists, and other valuable resources to help highly sensitive children when you sign up to receive my weekly newsletter 

Other resources on my blog that may be helpful to you:

Beginner’s Guide to Understanding High Sensitivity in Children

5 Myths About the Highly Sensitive Child

Resources for Parents of Highly Sensitive Children

The Power of Play Dates for Anxious and Sensitive Kids

10 Benefits of Being Highly Sensitive

How to Help your Sensitive Child with the Back to School Transition

Why your Highly Sensitive Child Struggles During the Last Weeks of School

10 Amazing Back to School Items for the Highly Sensitive Child

How to End Bedtime Battles with your Sensitive Child