Why Is My Child More Sensitive Than Others?

Understanding Emotional Sensitivity

By Dr Stavros Orfanos, Clinical Psychologist at Kidswell Health

Some children seem to experience the world in high definition — feeling everything more deeply, reacting more strongly to both positive and negative events, and becoming overwhelmed more quickly than their peers.

As a parent, it can be both wonderful and challenging to raise a highly sensitive child. You might find yourself wondering:

• “Why does my child cry so easily?”
  
• “Why do they seem so affected by things others don’t notice?”
  
• “Are they just being ‘dramatic’ or is there something else going on?”
  

In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind emotional sensitivity, how it affects children, and why recognising this trait can be a game-changer for how you support your child’s emotional well-being.

What Is Emotional Sensitivity?

Emotional sensitivity refers to how strongly a person feels and reacts to their environment. Some children are biologically wired to experience emotions more intensely — they aren’t being “difficult” or “overly sensitive,” they simply process the world around them differently.

This trait is known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS). According to research, children with high sensitivity are more tuned in to both social and physical cues. This means they respond more deeply to experiences, from a sudden change in routine to a kind word from a teacher.
Source: Study on Sensory Processing Sensitivity

Emotional sensitivity often overlaps with how a child’s brain responds to stress or perceived threats. If your child seems to go into “meltdown mode” quickly, it might be linked to the fight, flight, freeze response. Learn more about how this works in our guide here.

Signs of a Highly Sensitive Child

If your child is emotionally sensitive, you might notice they:
✅ React strongly to changes or unexpected events
✅ Feel overwhelmed in loud, busy, or chaotic environments
✅ Are very empathetic and tuned in to other people’s feelings
✅ Struggle more with transitions (e.g., starting school, trying new activities)
✅ Notice details others miss and can be deeply moved by music, art, or nature

They may also experience more “big feelings” — from intense joy to frustration — in situations where other children seem unaffected.

Why This Matters for Parents

Understanding emotional sensitivity isn’t just helpful — it can transform the way you parent.

Here’s why it matters:

1. You can reframe sensitivity as a strength

Many sensitive children are more empathetic, intuitive, creative, and emotionally aware. These are wonderful strengths that can help your child build deep connections, foster friendships, and engage meaningfully with the world.

2. You can understand their “big feelings”

When children have big emotional reactions, it’s not because they are being dramatic or “overreacting.” It’s because their brain processes experiences more deeply. Recognising this can help you respond with calm and compassion rather than frustration.

3. You can avoid mislabeling behaviour

Emotionally sensitive children are often labelled as “over-emotional” or “too sensitive.” By understanding the biology behind their reactions, you can advocate for your child and support their unique needs, both at home and in school.

How to Support an Emotionally Sensitive Child

Here are simple ways to support your child’s emotional well-being when you understand their sensitivity:

✅ Recognise triggers — Notice what situations overwhelm or upset your child and plan around them where possible.

✅ Offer reassurance, not punishment — Reassure your child when they’re struggling, and avoid labelling their reaction as “bad.”

✅ Help them name their emotions — Teach your child to recognise and label feelings like anger, sadness, joy, or anxiety, which can help reduce overwhelm.

✅ Model calm behaviour — Children mirror the adults around them. When you stay calm, it helps your child feel safe to regulate their own emotions.

✅ Protect downtime — Sensitive children often need more time to decompress, especially after busy social settings like school or parties.

How We Can Help Your Emotionally Sensitive Child

At Kidswell Health, we understand the unique needs of emotionally sensitive children. Our team of highly trained child psychologists provides compassionate, personalised support to help your child understand and manage their big feelings.

Whether it’s learning emotional regulation strategies, building resilience, or addressing anxiety and overwhelm, we offer a safe, supportive space for both you and your child. We can also guide parents with practical tools to feel more confident when navigating emotional challenges at home.

Final Thoughts

Raising a highly sensitive child comes with unique joys and challenges. But with understanding and support, sensitivity can become one of your child’s greatest strengths — helping them build empathy, creativity, and resilience.

By learning about emotional sensitivity, you’re already taking a huge step to support your child’s well-being with empathy and confidence.

💬 Do you need help understanding your child’s emotions?

At Kidswell Health, our child psychologists can provide practical support to help you navigate your child’s big feelings with more ease and confidence.

📅 Book an appointment today for personalised advice and support tailored to your child’s needs.

📖 Next in this series: Why There’s No Such Thing as a “Bad” Emotion: How All Feelings Serve a Purpose