Sensitivity is not a weakness, it is a superpower

Highly sensitive children perceive the world more intensely and deeply than most others. They easily notice small details, feel tension in a room, and intensely experience the emotions of other people. They often find it more difficult to handle changes or criticism and are often labelled as "oversensitive", which can be a burden for them into adulthood.

In the past, society viewed sensitivity as a weakness – children were labelled as "crybabies" or "troublemakers". Thanks to authors like Elaine Aron, Michael Pluess, or Susan David, we now know that high sensitivity is linked to greater empathy, creativity, and deep thinking. In a stable and kind environment, these children can excel in academic, artistic, and social development. Conversely, in a chaotic, noisy, or unclear environment, they can feel overwhelmed, withdraw into themselves, or react with emotional outbursts or anxiety. High sensitivity is also closely connected with the body, meaning that potential stress or tension also manifests physically – for example, as headaches, stomach aches, or fatigue without a clear cause.

WHAT IS HIGH SENSITIVITY AND HOW DO I RECOGNISE IT?
Sensitivity is an innate trait of the nervous system, a genetically determined predisposition.
Typical characteristics of highly sensitive children:
• they startle easily, and are bothered by loud noises and sudden changes
• they think deeply and notice details that others overlook
• they react strongly to injustice, criticism, or the suffering of others
• they are empathetic, often helping others and sensing their moods
• they need more time to process emotions
• they can be very quiet, or conversely explosive when overwhelmed
• they may have psychosomatic symptoms, such as headaches or stomach aches, fatigue, or
insomnia.

WHAT DO HIGHLY SENSITIVE CHILDREN NEED?
• A safe space to express emotions
• Understanding and respect
• Time and space when emotionally overwhelmed
• To learn to say "NO" when they are overloaded
• Support and trust

HOW TO SUPPORT SENSITIVE CHILDREN?
• Help them to name their emotions
• Provide them with space to create, write, draw, and share their experiences
• Create a quiet zone for them to rest
• Teach them to set boundaries with others (including adults)
• Remind them that their sensitivity is a gift, not a shame

DO YOU WANT TO UNDERSTAND THE TOPIC BETTER?
We recommend these specialist books in Czech:
• Julie Leuze: Výchova vysoce citlivých dětí (Grada) –
https://www.grada.cz/vychova-vysoce-citlivych-deti-11891/
• Elaine N. Aron: Vysoce citlivé děti (Portál) –
https://obchod.portal.cz/psychologie/vysoce-citlive-deti/
• Antje Hoffmann: Hypersenzitivní děti (Portál) –
https://obchod.portal.cz/pedagogika/hypersenzitivni-deti/
• Radka Gottwaldová: Malí lidé – velké emoce (Grada) –
https://www.grada.cz/mali-lide-velke-emoce-11660/
• Tina Oziewicz: Co dělají pocity?, Co dělají pocity v noci?, Co mají pocity rády?

IN CONCLUSION:
A child who "feels too much" often perceives the world more truthfully. Our task is not to teach them to feel less, but to teach them how to handle emotions safely. High sensitivity is not a diagnosis – it is a specific way of perceiving the world. If you recognise your child in the description and need help, we are here for you.