Elaine N. Aron Quotes

“Emotional reactivity is closely related to depth of processing, in that our emotions tell us what to pay attention to, learn from, and memorize if necessary. Without emotions as motivators, nothing would be processed enough to remember it.”

“Believe your child. When your child says it hurts, rubs, or stings, it does, even if the same thing doesn’t bother you.”

“When one child is more sensitive and free to express it, so that he receives special treatment, this is bound to create resentment among siblings with fewer or different special needs.”

“Because of these strong feelings and deep thoughts, most high sensitive children are unusually empathic. So they suffer more when others suffer and become interested early in social justice.”

“To have an exceptional child you must be willing to have an exceptional child.”

“Sensitive children are also more affected by the moods of their parents - for example, anxiety. You can imagine the vicious cycle that can create.”

“Do you have any lingering concern that your chid may find it difficult to be truly happy or successful? If so, stop worrying. Many highly sensitive people have told me that they believe they feel far more joy and contentment far more deeply than others.”

“Empathy combined with stronger emotions leads to compassion.”

“With a few bad experiences, [high sensitive children] are more likely than others to become shy, fearful, or depressed.”

“With a few bad experiences, [high sensitive children] are more likely than others to become shy, fearful, or depressed.”

“Highly sensitive children are not mentally ill and will not become mentally ill unless put under unusual stress.”

“Emotional reactivity is closely related to depth of processing, in that our emotions tell us what to pay attention to, learn from, and memorize if necessary. Without emotions as motivators, nothing would be processed enough to remember it.”

“Although highly sensitive children notice more, they do not necessarily have better eyes, ears, sense of smell, or taste buds (...). Mainly, their brains process information more thoroughly.”

“Researchers find that whatever a family does do to influence a child’s personality, it affects each child differently, as if each is growing up in a completely different family.”

“Realize that your child’s unusual behaviors are not your fault and not your child’s fault. Highly sensitive children are not being difficult on purpose.”

“Often highly sensitive children complain a great deal - it’s too hot, too cold, the fabric is too itchy, the food is too spicy, the room smells too weird - things other children would not even notice.”

“Your child will be more aware of the problems and the pain in the world. But perhaps the best definition of happiness came from Aristotle: We are happiest when doing what, by nature, we were born to do best.”

“Highly sensitive children need to feel heard, as they often have deep feelings or good reasons for what they were doing and they are unusually disillusioned by injustice. Getting an accurate statement of your child’s feelings and viewpoint will help both of you decide what to do.”

“There is always a good fit when parents accept their children for who they are. (...) A good fit is a family and school environment that supports and encourages a child’s natural way of behaving.”

“Parents who are less available and responsive - perhaps they are overwhelmed themselves, or not comfortable with intense emotions - may cause a highly sensitive child to hide her feelings in order to be accepted and not cause any trouble.”