Though I havent read the book or actually discussed with anyone personally about "highly sensitive" children, I have read info about it here and there and it sounds an awful lot like my daughter. But then again, she is also two and I am wondering if her behavior is a result of her just being two or if it is an innate personality trait. Ever since she was an infant, she has always been very sensitive to her surroundings, she gets overwhelmed easily, she doesnt like things too loud, she can be a "party pooper" just because she gets so overstimulated when there are a lot of people and kids around that she wants to leave...but on the other hand, she is also quite social, very observant, very conscientious and compassionate, and kind of hyper and goofy when she is in comfortable surroundings...I am just wondering if anyone out there has a child that has been officially deemed "highly sensitive", and if so, at what age did that seem apparent? Also, what traits seemed glaringly obvious that they were a little beyond the normal reactions for certain situations? Also, is it totally normal for a two year old to act this way?...sometimes i wonder if she protests just to be contrary and exercise her voice and control...Thanks for your input!
Most likely she is just two. I used to have to put a blanket over me and my kids at that 1-3 age. We got some strange looks stopping in the middle of the grocery store and putting a blanket over our heads but it did wonders to get their attention and calm them. It was one-on-one time and the rest of the world was out of site out of mind.
sounds like two to me!!
I would guess,she is just being two. The "highly sesnitive" kids usually have more than just sound or over stimulation problems. And they don't have situations where they are okay, or comfortable, with a lot of activity or sound.
She may be overwhelmed by some situations, don't force her to participate, but don't leave because she wants to. Set a time when you will leave, empathize with her feelings, but explain that you want to have some time with your friends, or that it would be rude to leave so soon, and that she can just sit next to you until it is time to leave, she doesn't have to go participate, then don't really show her any extra attention while she is sitting there. I would guess that after about 10 -15 min. of being able to observe, she will be up playing. It may be hard to do at first with a "just" 2year old, but as she gets closer to 3 it will be easier.
Just two.... For sure. :) Lots of kids that age don't like things too loud, like music or flushing the toilet. She might be a very sensitive child but that doesn't mean there is anything wrong, that's just her personalitly type.
