It happens every year. Right around the beginning of May, I begin to see the emotional outbursts from my highly sensitive boys increase dramatically. The meltdowns in the morning and after school are at an all-time high.
Do you experience this with your child too?
Wondering why your HSC struggles with the last few weeks of the school year? It took me a while to figure it out, but once I did it made complete sense.
The school routine that your highly sensitive child has gotten used to throughout the year, begins to loosen and change during the last 6-8 weeks of school.
We know that highly sensitive children like to know what to expect, right? It helps them feel in control. They dislike change and surprises that interrupt their routine. Well, the end of the school year is anything but predictable. It is typically full of unexpected, sensory stimulating surprises and changes in the day-to-day classroom activities such as:
– Classmates become a little more rambunctious as they anticipate summer vacation.
– The teachers are wrapping up their lessons for the year, so there are usually more impromptu activities like classroom games or an extra recess.
– Class field trips typically tend to take place at the end of the school year.
– End of the year performances or graduation practices are occurring.
– “Fun” activities like field days, special assemblies and parties are taking place.
– Discussions about what will be expected of your child in the next grade begin.
Any of these situations could cause your HSC to become overwhelmed, but a combination of them can be just too much for them to handle. While they will likely hold it together at school, they will be sure to let out their emotions at home where they feel safe. If your HSC seems to be acting out, extra emotional or refusing school towards the end of the school year, the extra stimulation and loosening of routine is likely the cause.
So what can you do about it?
– Make sure to validate their feelings and comfort them.
– Discuss with your child or the teacher (if needed) to figure out what specific struggles they are having.
– Don’t force your HSC to participate in end of the year performances, field days or activities that are causing them intense overwhelm or anxiety.
– If possible, volunteer to be a chaperone on field trips or a helper for class parties, if your presence helps them.
– Give them plenty of down time to recharge after school and on the weekends.
Remember that transitions are hard for highly sensitive children and there are a lot as the school year comes to end. Now that you are aware of the struggles your HSC may face during the last few weeks of the school year, you will be more prepared to assist them through this challenging time of year.
Other resources on my blog that may be helpful to you:
How to Help your Sensitive Child Handle Big Emotions
Discipline Strategies for the Sensitive Child
Beginner’s Guide to Understanding High Sensitivity in Children
How to Handle After School Meltdowns with your Child
Gift Guide for the Highly Sensitive Child
5 Myths About the Highly Sensitive Child
Resources for Parents of Highly Sensitive Children
The Power of Play Dates for Anxious and Sensitive Kids
10 Benefits of Being Highly Sensitive
FREE HIGHLY SENSITIVE CHILD RESOURCE LIBRARY
This is such a great post, Maureen! We experience the same thing with my daughter. Last year it threw me for a loop because I wasn’t prepared! This year I anticipated it and gave her teacher a heads up and I feel like we are managing much better.
Thank you so much Stacey. That’s great that you were proactive this year and it is helping.