6 Therapist-Endorsed Pointers For Extremely Reactive Parents

Being a mother can be overpowering on the finest of days, but for very reactive moms (HSPs), overstimulation can significantly impact mental well-being without the proper approaches. Dr. Elaine Aron, a psychologist, coined the term “Highly Reactive Individual” in 1991 to depict individuals who have a nervous system that is uniquely tuned to external and internal stimuli. Extremely reactive individuals often possess intensified empathy, intense emotional responses, a profound need for downtime, and an acute sensitivity to sensory input like loud sounds, potent scents, and intense lights.

How to Recognize if You’re an HSP

Now that we have a basic understanding of what it means to be a highly reactive individual, let’s delve into certain familiar signs that can aid in identifying if you are an HSP mom:

Deep Empathy

Highly reactive moms often find themselves profoundly affected by the emotions of others, especially their children. You might feel overwhelmed when your child is upset or distressed, necessitating time to recuperate from these emotional experiences. It may feel as if you “take on” the emotions of your children, leading to rumination and anxiety about ways to “fix” their problems.

Overwhelmed by Crowds and Noise

If you’re uneasy in noisy, crowded environments and prefer serene settings, this is a definitive sign of being an HSP. Loud birthday parties, school events, indoor playdates, and large family gatherings may leave you feeling depleted.

Heightened Sensory Sensitivity

HSPs are often sensitive to sensory stimuli. You might cringe at the sound of people chewing, be irked by certain textures or fabrics, or find strong odors overwhelming.

Yearning for Solitude

Highly reactive moms frequently require seclusion to recharge. You may find that you need regular breaks from social interactions and family life to recharge your social battery.

Pursuit of Perfectionism and Attention to Detail

HSPs often have a keen eye for detail and a yearning for things to be just right. This can lead to perfectionism in parenting and an augmented sense of responsibility. You may find it challenging to fall asleep with soiled dishes in the sink, ruminate over missteps, and struggle when you feel like you aren’t meeting the mark.

If any or all of this resonates with you—you are not alone! Fortunately, there are pragmatic strategies that you can commence employing daily to manage overstimulation effectively.

Six Approaches for Highly Reactive Moms

Being an extremely reactive mom is a distinctive and magnificent journey, but it also comes with its own array of challenges, including overstimulation. By grasping what it means to be an HSP, recognizing the signs within yourself, and applying the pointers below, you can effectively manage overstimulation and establish a more balanced and serene parenting experience.

Remember, self-care, boundaries, mindfulness, environmental adjustments, and seeking support are your allies in navigating the realm of motherhood as an extremely reactive person. You don’t have to let the drawbacks of being a reactive mother overshadow the positives of being a HSP.

1. Give Precedence to Self-Care

As a highly reactive mom, self-care should be at the zenith of your list of priorities. Allocate time for yourself daily, even if it’s just 15 minutes. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s perusing a book, taking a bath, meditating, going for a run, or practicing yoga. Regular self-care can assist you in recharging and better managing overstimulating situations without impacting your mental well-being.

2. Set Establish Boundaries

Practice saying “no.” As a highly reactive mom, you are prone to people-pleasing due to your empathetic nature. That is why it’s crucial to safeguard your emotional energy and learn to set good boundaries.

3. Embrace Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques can aid highly reactive moms in staying grounded and reducing overstimulation. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Simple practices like deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided meditation can assist you in managing overwhelming emotions and sensory input.

4. Restrict Stimuli

You can govern your environment to decrease overstimulation. Deliberate adjustments like dimming lights, using noise-cancelling headphones, or eliminating clutter in your home. Creating a calming, sensory-friendly space can offer you a refuge for alone time to escape from overstimulating situations.

5. Pursue Support

Don’t hesitate to seek support from other highly reactive moms or a therapist who specializes in working with HSPs. Forming connections with others who share analogous experiences can provide validation and practical counsel. Therapy can assist you in developing coping strategies and comprehending your highly reactive nature.

6. Embrace Being an HSP as Your Parenting Strength

Embracing your sensitivity and using it to your advantage can be a parenting asset.

Comprehending Your Child’s Needs

Your heightened sensitivity and attunement to your emotions enable you to better comprehend what your child needs at any moment.

Fostering Home Life

As an HSP mom, you are more in tune with your environment. You know how to ensure that your child’s surroundings contribute to their well-being.

Listening Skills

Your ability to genuinely comprehend and empathize with your child cultivates a relationship of trust and open communication.

Emotional Intelligence

Being a highly reactive mom means that you are more cognizant of your own emotions. You can model how to navigate and express your feelings, which fosters resilience in your children.

Commending Milestones

Your heightened sensitivity enables you to acknowledge and notice even the smallest milestones in your child’s life, strengthening your bond and creating positive parenting experiences.

When you are a highly reactive person (HSP) and a parent, you can turn your sensitivity into a positive attribute that enriches your children’s lives. Your attention to detail and need for stability fosters a safe and secure environment for your kids. Your heightened empathy assists in teaching your children compassion and the significance of considering others’ feelings. Conflict resolution becomes a skill you can impart, as you empathize with different perspectives in disagreements. Your ability to understand and embrace uniqueness supports your children’s self-esteem and acceptance of their talents and idiosyncrasies. Furthermore, your love for nature and creativity can introduce your children to the splendor of the world and guide them on new adventures. Embracing your sensitivity enhances your parenting and shapes the emotional landscape of your family, ultimately creating an environment for your children to thrive and grow into self-assured adults.