8 Signs Of a Sensitive Kid and Why It's Actually a Good Thing

Flickr user Aikawa Ke

Many parents can relate to tears and hurt feelings during childhood but for those with a sensitive child, they are likely presented with these strong feelings much more often. Parents of sensitive children observe their little ones worrying more deeply about what others around them think and being more emotionally reactive. However, these kiddos also tend to make amazing friends because they are so intuitive and are able to easily empathize with others.

If you've ever worried that your child might be too sensitive, read through this checklist and discover the positive in some of their emotional tendencies

01
Tears Come First
Flickr user Donnie Ray Jones

Tears Come First

These kids can easily be overwhelmed by strong emotions and aren't always able to vocalize as how they are feeling as quickly. Even if tears spring into your little one's eyes often, this doesn't mean that they are weak or are always overreacting. As they get older, some children become able to better anticipate others' reactions and their tears might be how they are processing the fear, upset, or disappointment.

02
They Have Trouble Making Decisions
Flickr user Denis Mihailov

They Have Trouble Making Decisions

Some sensitive children take longer to make decisions because they are considering multiple scenarios and taking everyone's feelings into account. These insightful children aren't incapable of making up their mind; they are thoughtful and try to consider how their actions will impact others.

03
They Deeply Empathize
Flickr user Moin Uddin

They Deeply Empathize

Many sensitive children aren't just the first ones to get upset but are also quickly able to sense when someone else is in distress. These kiddos are more aware of how others are feeling around them and can easily relate to their situations.

04
They Take Things Personally
Flickr user Jay

They Take Things Personally

Part of being more emotionally delicate is being more susceptible to hurt feelings and assuming the worst was directed towards them. As sensitive kiddos process things on a deeper level, they also can overthink situations and the possible negativity can be amplified. However, this shows how much the child cares and will work to right any possible wrong.

05
They Are Quick to React
Flickr user roberto volterra

They Are Quick to React

Since sensitive kids tend to take more things personally and can easily be overwhelmed with their emotions, they can be quick to express those feelings. Many kids won't be able to bottle up their hurt feelings and hide from everyone how they are feeling. This in turn means that their can be quicker conflict resolution because they are more open with their feelings — whether they intended to openly express them or not.

06
They Look to You to Solve Their Problems
Flickr user A.Kreicberga

They Look to You to Solve Their Problems

For some kids who are quick to get their feelings hurt, the first place they turn is to their parents. As exasperating as their tears over seemingly small issues can be, you are their trusted source who they turn to with their problems. You can help teach them how to process their emotions and independently solve their problems.

07
They Are Deep Thinkers
Flickr user James Jordan

They Are Deep Thinkers

These kiddos tend to ask profound questions and think deeply because they both sympathize and empathize with those in any given situation. Even if feeling deeper means feeling more pain, these little ones can look at situations differently than their peers and offer a valuable perspective.

08
They Can Be Self-Conscious
Flickr user beppe_tapelessfilm

They Can Be Self-Conscious

As highly intuitive kiddos, sensitive children tend to care more about what others think of them. They also tend to have better manners and can be more thoughtful because they are concerned with how their actions will affect others.