Have you ever heard of the term bibliotherapy?  I truly believe that books can build children up.  As a mom and a professional with a Masters in Information Science, (specialization in children’s literature) I have seen time and time again the power of the right book in the right hands at the right time.

Books can have a profound effect in sparking curiosity and helping children identify their feelings, work through fears and deal with difficult situations in their lives.  Reading books together with children is a wonderful way for parents and teachers to reach out and connect, especially when a child is struggling with a specific situation.  Books provide inspiration, promote curiosity, give children a sense of security, and provide characters that they can relate to.  Reading together can also act as a catalyst for further discussion.

Books and the Highly Sensitive Child

Through raising two highly sensitive children, I have discovered the HUGE impact books can have for HSCs.

Spontaneity does not occur very often in our household.  Sure there are fun surprises here and there, but it is safe to say that we don’t jump into new things quickly.  Raising two highly sensitive boys (4 and 7), with one of them overcoming Selective Mutism, requires lots of preparation on my part.  New situations and experiences are often very difficult for them.  I have found that preparing my boys ahead of time with discussions on where we are going, who will be there, if it will be loud, what will be expected of them, etc. is essential to preventing a meltdown/shutdown from occurring. Granted, I know I cannot prepare them for every situation they will encounter, but talking it through and answering their questions helps my boys feel more secure.

Books are one of the most powerful things I have relied on to help me build their confidence and validate their feelings.  We have read books to help my sons with sensory challenges, anxiety over events like the first day of school, visiting the dentist, playdates, birthdays, new beds, moving, and the list goes on and on.  Stories play a vital role in the development and growth of our children.

My goal is to share these resources here with you, so that you may find some great books for your highly sensitive child. With years of experience working with children and recommending children’s books for all ages and interests, I can’t wait to share this information with you!