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Do Some Children Outgrow Being Highly Sensitive?

March 10, 2022 · In: HSP Kids Lauren Hunter

You may have been a sensitive child yourself, or you have come across this article while searching online to learn how to better parent your own highly sensitive child, either way, people often wonder, do some children outgrow being highly sensitive?

As with any personality trait, there are aspects of one’s personality that change, or morph, from childhood to adulthood. While children gain self-control as they grow and develop, most do not have dramatic shifts in personality without psychological issues at play. Yet, sometimes children who are quite sensitive in their formative years do, with proper support from their parents or caregivers, find that their responses to stimuli lessen as they gain life experience.

Do Some Children Outgrow Being Highly Sensitive Featured 1

Table of Contents

  • Some Believe Kids Never Outgrow Their Highly Sensitive Person Trait
  • What Causes a Child to be Highly Sensitive?
  • Each Child Unique in Their High Sensitivity
  • Free HSP Webinar on Sensory Overload
    • Sensory Overload tends to be one of our biggest challenges as HSPs. It is when our senses take in more information than our brain can keep up with processing. You might be surprised that it is often the culprit of symptoms of emotional reactivity, anxiety, irritability, sleep issues, exhaustion, and even loss of productivity, creativity, and focus. What makes it extra hard is that the world isn’t set up for those of us with high sensitivity. Have you been challenged by your sensitivity and labeled as “too sensitive” or “overly emotional”? Do you know how Sensory Overload impacts you? Join me to learn more and uncover solutions that will help you thrive to your fullest level of wellness.
  • Remembering One’s Sensitive Childhood Struggles Can Be a Blessing

In my parenting journey, I’ve found that meeting my children’s needs when they were babies, then as toddlers, helped them develop a secure attachment and this enabled each child to feel loved and supported in their sensitivity. One child couldn’t handle loud noises, and another needed constant touch from me to feel secure. As each child grew and developed while securely attached, they were able to self-regulate and develop good self-care to meet their own needs, thereby lessening the impact of their sensitivity on other family members.

Some Believe Kids Never Outgrow Their Highly Sensitive Person Trait

In her blog on her son’s sensitivity, Leila Boukarim shares her experiences:

“Some days, my husband and I wonder, is it possible he’s no longer highly sensitive? Has he grown out of it?

The obvious answer to that question is no. One does not grow out of genetic programming. But it’s easy to forget that as we grow, many aspects of our behavior, thoughts and attitude change. Our experiences mold the way we think and express ourselves in different situations.

A lot of people sincerely ask me if sensitive children “grow out of it”, and I can see where they’re coming from, especially when all they know—or think they know—about “sensitivity” is that it makes people cry and overreact. To them, sensitivity is weakness, and that’s all. They look at your sensitive child, perhaps while he/she is being difficult, and think, “Oh, well I’ve never seen adults cover their ears and cry because the music is too loud, so this must be something kids grow out of.”

Lelia Boukarim, http://www.sensitiveandextraordinary.com/

What Causes a Child to be Highly Sensitive?

We don’t know what specifically causes children to be highly sensitive. We do know that according to Dr. Elaine Aron’s research, 15-20% of all people are highly sensitive. It seems to be a temperament trait that runs in families, so chances are, one of a child’s two parents is also highly sensitive.

Each Child Unique in Their High Sensitivity

At the end of the day, each child is unique, and fitting into the high sensitivity trait can provide insight, not box a child in. Some sensitive kids are incredibly outgoing while others are terrified of large groups. As with a vast variety of childhood experiences, each child is unique and created by God to be a special, wonderful individual. Celebrating your child’s special gifts can be a wonderful way to empower them and gift them with a strong sense of identity and self-worth.

do some children outgrow being highly sensitive

Remembering One’s Sensitive Childhood Struggles Can Be a Blessing

If you were a sensitive child and overcame some of the challenges that kept you from going to slumber parties, connecting with large groups, speaking in front of people, or pursuing particular careers, you may have discovered that working on your concerns with a mental health professional allowed you to overcome shyness or extreme fear of speaking in front of others.

When I was a child, I had horrible stage fright and could not perform well at my piano recitals; as an adult, I was able to conquer my fears and can perform now well in front of others, as an example.

As you traverse down the journey of high sensitivity with your children, consider yourself an enlightened guide to assist them in self-exploration, self-care, and self-esteem.

Be sensitive, be free

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links*

By: Lauren Hunter · In: HSP Kids · Tagged: #hspjourney, Dr. Elaine Aron, high sensitivity, highly sensitive, highly sensitive children, highly sensitive kids, highly sensitive parents, highly sensitive person, parenting highly sensitive children, parenting highly sensitive kids, parenting sensitive kids, sensitive, sensitives

About Lauren Hunter

Just a few years ago, Lauren Hunter discovered that she was a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), and suddenly so many things started making sense. She's been an author, poet, musician, and communication professional for over two decades and now enjoys exploring this HSP journey with others. She lives in Northern California with her husband and their four children. Her latest book is Write Your Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide to Write Your Life Story Fast. Lauren is an HSP-trained coach and has completed her HSP Certification with the Nickerson Institute. Learn more about HSP coaching with Lauren today.

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  1. What's The Difference Between A Highly Sensitive Person And An Empath? - HSPJourney says:
    May 13, 2022 at 11:08 am

    […] you’re parenting kids who might be sensitive, know that sometimes kids gently grow out of some of their sensitivities. Babies can be recovering from a traumatic birth and their […]

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  2. 5 Creative Breakthroughs for Sensitive Writers Using The Artist's Way | Journey Together says:
    February 13, 2025 at 7:31 pm

    […] a highly sensitive person (HSP), I found that the world didn’t communicate in the same ways I did. I was a creative. […]

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