The Privilege of Raising A Sensitive Child

“You're too sensitive” 

How many times have we sighed these words under our breath, exhausted, overwhelmed, unsure how to parent a child who feels everything?

I know this personally. Having a sensitive child can feel taxing, especially on the hard days, the days when you snap at them, or shut down, or feel like a failure for not being the calm, present parent they needed in that moment.

I have a sensitive teen.

A teen who gets upset when I don’t post a reel with her in it and then gets equally upset when I do, because I didn’t ask permission first.

A teen who lies awake at night replaying something she said impulsively (and oh, there are many impulsive things she says), feeling bad and wishing she could take it back.

A teen who overthinks everything, reads between every line, takes things personally that were never meant that way, and is quick to jump into conclusions.

A teen who longs for more friends but also feels overwhelmed when she's around people too long.

A teen who can sense who’s real and who’s not, who’s hurting, who's faking, who's happy, and who’s pretending to be.

A teen who dims her light because she’s afraid others will be uncomfortable if she shines too brightly.

A teen who hides her feelings all day to avoid making others uncomfortable, then comes home exhausted from all the pretending.

A teen who turns into a cranky toddler when she’s hungry or tired.

Yes, it’s hard sometimes.

But here’s what we miss when we only see “too sensitive” as a problem:

This same teen last week wrote a note to the mailman to make sure he felt seen.

She won an award in 5th grade, created by the janitor of her school, for always staying behind to help clean up after lunch: The Golden Broom Award.

She comes home with report cards full of comments about her kindness, her compassion, her empathy.

She hugs her toddler brother tight every day when she walks through the door.

She writes heartfelt notes to her teachers and her friends. She even keeps a secret journal with letters to her little brother, to read when he’s older.

She has no problem sharing her favorite food without us even asking.

She hugs her dad extra tight on the days she knows he’s had a rough one.

She spends her summer volunteering at a children’s camp and comes home bursting with joy because the kids love her, and she loves them.

She never asks for presents on her birthday. Instead, she makes a list of experiences she wants to share with us.

She cries when she needs hugs. She hugs when she needs to cry.

She tells us she loves us, especially after she lashes out and regrets it.

And perhaps most humbling of all: She forgives me quickly when I say things I shouldn't out of my own frustration, because she doesn't want me to feel bad.

I have a teen with big feelings who's teaching me how to love well, be present, forgive fast, and be more patient.

I have a sensitive teen who will one day change the world, not because she’s loud or bold, but because she cares. Because she notices. Because she can’t look away from pain or pretend things don’t matter.

Honestly, I should’ve known she was special the day she asked, at just four years old, "Is the mama fish looking for the baby fish we’re having for dinner tonight?"

We need to stop treating sensitivity as a flaw. It’s not a weakness. It’s a Gift. A Calling.

The world needs more people who feel deeply.

People who pause long enough to notice the lonely, the hurting, the invisible.

People who care so much that they’re willing to stretch their hearts wide open, no matter how uncomfortable that might be.

Having a sensitive child is not something to fix. It’s something to steward. It's a privilege to walk alongside someone who is wired to love, notice, and heal.

Yes, some days will be hard. Sensitivity brings storms of tears, frustration, meltdowns, impulsive words, and restless minds.

But it also brings hearts that love fiercely. Minds that care deeply. Souls that light up the world.

To every parent raising a sensitive child:

You are not alone. And your child is not too much.

They are just enough of what this world desperately needs.

So let’s stop saying, "You’re too sensitive. It’s annoying."

And start saying, "You feel deeply and I’m grateful for you. The world needs more hearts like yours."