6 Supportive Parenting Tips From A HSP Therapist for Parents
Highly Sensitive Parents: Embrace Your Sensitivity & Empower Your Parenting with Expert Insights from an HSP Therapist
Parenting is a challenging journey for anyone, but for moms who are Highly Sensitive (HSP), it can feel particularly overwhelming. If you're an HSP mom, you might often find yourself feeling overstimulated, emotionally drained, and wondering if you're doing enough for your children. It's important to recognize that these feelings are valid and shared by many others who experience high sensitivity.
As an HSP mom, you bring unique strengths to your parenting, such as deep empathy, intuition, and a keen awareness of your child's needs. However, these same qualities can also make you more susceptible to stress and burnout. Understanding how to navigate the challenges of parenting with high sensitivity is crucial for your well-being. As well as the well-being of your family.
In this blog post, we'll explore six supportive parenting tips specifically tailored for HSP moms. These tips are designed by an HSP therapist in Alberta to help you create a calmer environment, prioritize self-care, set boundaries, practice mindfulness, seek support networks, and educate yourself and others about high sensitivity. As we unpack each of these tips, you'll gain practical strategies and insights to thrive in your unique parenting journey. Let's dive in and discover how you can harness your sensitivity to become an even more effective and nurturing parent.
Six Tips from an HSP Therapist in Alberta for Highly Sensitive Parents
HSP Parent Tip #1: Create a Calm Environment
This tip might sound simple, but it is a necessary foundation for HSP moms. Creating a calm environment at home helps reduce overstimulation and provides a peaceful space for both you and your children. HSPs are highly attuned to their surroundings, and a chaotic environment can quickly become overwhelming, leading to increased stress and irritability.
As an HSP therapist, I have found that there are numerous paths to achieving a calm home environment. Start by decluttering and organizing your living space to minimize visual and sensory distractions. Incorporate soothing colors, soft lighting, and comfortable furniture to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Consider setting up quiet zones where you and your children can retreat when feeling overwhelmed.
The truth is, a calm environment benefits not only you as a highly sensitive woman and mom but also your entire family. When your home feels peaceful and orderly, it becomes easier to manage daily tasks and reduces the likelihood of emotional outbursts. So, let go of the idea of thriving in chaos. Instead, remember that the takeaway is to intentionally design your living space to support your sensitivity.
How can you apply this tip to your life? Begin by identifying areas in your home that contribute to stress and find ways to modify them. This might mean things like:
Simplifying your decor
Establishing routines for tidying up
Incorporating calming activities into your daily schedule
Yoga
Meditation
By making small, thoughtful changes, you can create a nurturing environment that allows you and your children to flourish.
Highly Sensitive Parent Tip #2: Prioritize Self-Care
This one may not be surprising as it is often tossed out with little understanding of what this means. If you have ever felt overwhelmed and exhausted by the demands of parenting, you might have encountered the tip to "put your oxygen mask on first." However, the meaning of prioritizing self-care goes far deeper.
Prioritizing self-care is not just about indulging in occasional treats or taking breaks when you’re on the brink of burnout. For Highly sensitive women and moms, it means regularly incorporating practices that nurture your well-being and replenish your energy. This continues to be important because high sensitivity can make you more vulnerable to stress and fatigue, impacting your ability to care for your children effectively.
The ultimate takeaway is that self-care for HSP moms involves more than just physical rest. It is really about creating a balanced lifestyle that supports your emotional and mental health. To apply this tip to your life, consider integrating activities that bring you joy and relaxation into your daily routine. This could include:
Spending time in nature
Practicing mindfulness or meditation
Engaging in creative hobbies
Setting aside quiet time for yourself each day
Remember, prioritizing self-care is not selfish. By taking care of yourself, you’re better equipped to handle the demands of parenting. Letting you provide a calm, supportive environment for your children. So, let go of the guilt associated with taking time for yourself, and embrace the idea that self-care is essential for both your and your family’s well-being.
HSP Parent Tip #3: Set Boundaries
I can totally understand why a highly sensitive mom would find setting boundaries hard. Especially if you’re used to putting others' needs ahead of your own. It's a common challenge for Highly Sensitive People, and while avoiding conflict might provide temporary relief of the stress and discomfort associated with boundary-setting, it's not a sustainable or effective long-term solution.
Setting boundaries may seem like a daunting task, creating a sense of vulnerability by establishing limits and saying "no" when necessary. However, it goes beyond just a simplified understanding of conflict avoidance. It's about understanding the nuanced relationship between healthy boundaries and personal well-being.
The reality is that setting boundaries is crucial for HSP moms. While avoiding conflict might provide temporary comfort, it hinders personal growth and prevents the development of crucial coping mechanisms. The truth is that setting boundaries is a vital step toward maintaining your emotional health and fostering healthy relationships.
Rather than fearing boundary-setting, individuals can embrace it as a tool for self-care and mutual respect. By clearly communicating your needs and limits, you create a more manageable and supportive environment for yourself and your family. This might include setting aside time for yourself, delegating tasks, or even saying "no" to commitments that feel overwhelming.
By confronting the challenge of setting boundaries, you can:
Build resilience
Gain a deeper understanding of your needs
Foster a more empowered relationship with your emotions
This not only benefits you but also sets a positive example for your children, teaching them the importance of self-respect and healthy communication.
Tip #4 from an HSP Therapist: Practice Mindfulness
In a world that often encourages us to constantly stay busy and push through our emotions to keep up with daily demands, it’s perhaps not unexpected that this approach has continued to be an issue for so many HSP moms. The constant hustle and ignoring of inner feelings can exacerbate stress and anxiety, making it harder to parent effectively.
Mindfulness, the practice of staying present and fully engaging with the current moment, is necessary for HSP moms. It allows you to slow down, observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment, and respond to situations with greater calm and clarity. This practice is crucial for managing the overwhelm that can come from high sensitivity and parenting.
Some might believe that mindfulness is unnecessary or too time-consuming. But in reality, it can be integrated into your daily life with simple, short practices. Even a few minutes of mindful breathing or a brief mindful walk can make a significant difference. Mindfulness is not about emptying your mind or achieving a state of constant calm. Rather it's about accepting your thoughts and emotions as they come and finding peace within that acceptance.
HSPs need mindfulness because it helps in managing intense emotions and reducing stress. It provides a toolkit for navigating the ups and downs of parenting with more grace and resilience. Even though society might be telling you to keep pushing through without pausing, there is power in mindfulness.
The truth is, true well-being involves accepting and understanding the full range of emotions, including the challenging ones. As an HSP therapist, I have found that practicing mindfulness helps you find a balance that promotes authenticity and resilience, enabling you to be a more present and connected parent. By embracing mindfulness, you can create a more peaceful and supportive environment for yourself and your family.
HSP Parent Tip #5: Seek Support Networks
HSPs can often feel isolated and misunderstood in a world that may not fully appreciate their heightened sensitivity. Highly sensitive women and moms can particularly feel overwhelmed and alone, as the demands of parenting combined with high sensitivity can be challenging to navigate. As a result, this next tip is very important. Seek support networks.
Support networks are essential for HSP moms because they provide a safe space to share experiences, gain insights, and receive emotional support. Connecting with other Highly Sensitive People or joining parenting groups tailored for sensitive individuals can make a significant difference in your well-being.
Many HSPs might believe that seeking support is a sign of weakness or that their struggles are too unique to be understood by others. However, this belief is far from the truth. Support networks exist because many people share similar experiences and can offer valuable advice and empathy.
HSPs really need this tip because having a community can alleviate feelings of isolation and provide practical coping strategies. It’s critical for Highly Sensitive moms to feel understood and supported in their parenting journey.
Individuals who engage in seeking support networks feel more connected, validated, and capable of handling the challenges of parenting with high sensitivity. Do not underestimate the importance of community and shared experiences.
The ultimate takeaway from this tip is that connecting with others who understand your experiences can significantly enhance your resilience and emotional well-being. It's about finding a network that promotes empathy, understanding, and practical support. Which will help you thrive as a sensitive and caring parent.
Tip #6 from an HSP Therapist: Educate Yourself & Others
This last tip may not be surprising, at least in part. Since you are here, you've no doubt been researching information about HSP parents. That said, it may not have occurred to you that you may need to educate others along with yourself. The reality is that most people know very little about Highly Sensitive People and may even think that being HSP means being overly emotional or fragile. Research and writings on the trait of high sensitivity are now where traits like introversion and ADHD were about 10-20 years ago.
Because of this, you may have to help people understand what you have come to learn about what it means to be a Highly Sensitive woman and parent. You may have to help the people in your circle, such as your partner, extended family, friends, and even teachers or caregivers, understand how high sensitivity impacts your decisions and choices as a parent.
This is important because a lack of understanding can lead to miscommunication and a lack of support. By educating those around you, you can foster a more empathetic and supportive environment.
To apply this tip, start by sharing resources and information about high sensitivity with those close to you. Explain how it influences your parenting style and why certain environments or routines are beneficial. Open conversations about your needs and experiences to build a network of understanding and support.
The key takeaway is that educating yourself and others about high sensitivity can lead to greater empathy and collaboration, making your parenting journey smoother and more supported.
Resources from an HSP Therapist in Calgary
Some additional books and resources that I find useful for my clients at my Alberta-based online counseling practice include:
"The Highly Sensitive Person" by Elaine N. Aron, PhD
This book is a foundational text on understanding high sensitivity and offers insights into living as an HSP.
"Parenting the Highly Sensitive Child" by Julie B. Rosenshein
A helpful resource specifically focused on parenting HSP children.
"Parenting from the Inside Out" by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., and Mary Hartzell, M.Ed.
This book provides profound insights into how a deeper self-understanding and trauma coping and healing can help parents raise thriving children. It is particularly beneficial for those parenting highly sensitive children or parents who identify as HSPs themselves.
Offers various resources and articles about high sensitivity.
Final Thoughts from an HSP Therapist
Honoring yourself and these tips can transform your parenting experience, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling family life. Continuing to ignore the above tips can undermine your self-esteem and perpetuate feelings of overwhelm and isolation. It's never too late to shift into a healthier approach that may pave the way for a more empowered and resilient parenting journey.
Let's collectively embrace the strengths and gifts of HSPs, fostering a nurturing and understanding environment that benefits both you and your children. Let's acknowledge the unique perspective and empathy that HSPs bring to their families and celebrate these qualities as assets. Harnessing your HSP traits through using the above tips can empower you to create a peaceful, supportive home where both you and your children can thrive.
Get Parenting Support From an HSP Therapist in Calgary or Anywhere in Albert
I understand how challenging it can be for HSP moms to navigate the complexities of parenting while managing their own sensitivities. At my virtual therapy practice, I support women like you who feel overwhelmed and isolated by helping you create a balanced, fulfilling family life. Follow these steps to start therapy for highly sensitive women:
Have your first appointment with an HSP therapist
Embrace your strengths as a Highly Sensitive woman and mom
All services are available via online therapy in Calgary as well as throughout Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Nunavut.
About Dr. Easter Yassa, an Alberta HSP Therapist
Dr. Easter is a Registered Psychologist in Calgary with over 20 years of counseling experience and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. Specializing in therapy for highly sensitive people (HSP), particularly women and moms, she offers a compassionate, non-judgmental space for adults and seniors to explore their challenges and work towards their goals. Her extensive background includes working in diverse clinical settings and teaching university-level psychology courses. In her blogs and at her counseling practice she brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice.
Beyond her professional expertise, Dr. Easter’s personal experiences with anxiety, grief, and life transitions allow her to connect deeply with her clients. She understands the unique pressures faced by HSP moms and is dedicated to helping them find balance and well-being. An avid painter and dog lover, Dr. Easter’s multifaceted career and empathetic approach make her a trusted guide for those navigating the complexities of highly sensitive motherhood.
Other Online Therapy Services Offered in Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, & Nunavut
At IMatter, there are a variety of services available to support your mental health. Beyond HSP therapy I also provide therapy for women, perfectionism counseling, therapy for therapists, and more! Reach out to start online therapy today!