Aurora is a highly sensitive rabbit. She worries about the natural world and the other animals around her. When a flash flood destroys her family’s burrow, Aurora must accept her sensitive nature and learn how to thrive by using breathing techniques, taking time alone, and setting boundaries. Eventually, she comes to understand that she can connect with others and enjoy the beauty of the world while embracing who she is.
Based on Dr. Judith Orloff’s teachings about thriving as an empath, this picture book offers easy-to-learn coping and communication skills through a beautifully written and illustrated story. It also includes a nonfiction section at the back that teaches about plants and animals native to the Sonoran Desert.
I was
a highly sensitive only child who was raised by two physician-parents. I have
twenty-five physicians in my family. So, I grew up in a linear and scientific
family. As a child, I was very sensitive, intuitive and easily overwhelmed. For
instance, I couldn’t go to shopping malls or crowded places without getting
anxious or exhausted. I didn’t realize that as a highly sensitive child I was
an emotional sponge for stress, especially in crowds. My ordinarily loving
mother responded, “Dear, you don’t have a thick enough skin. You’re too
sensitive!” So I grew up believing there was something wrong with me.
I was attracted to Psychiatry to help legitimize the
experiences of highly sensitive children and adults. I went to medical school
at USC and completed my psychiatric residency at UCLA.
In my upcoming book “The Highly Sensitive
Rabbit“ I want to help children and their parents release shame
about being highly sensitive and embrace their gifts. The book is also
dedicated to the highly sensitive child within us grownups who deserves to be
honored too.
What are some of the characteristics of a
highly sensitive child?
Highly sensitive children are precious beings but are
frequently misunderstood. They often feel things deeply and are compassionate
and good listeners. They tend to be overstimulated by crowds, noise, and stress
and need a lot of alone time. They can feel different than other kids and
express that they don’t fit in. They may be emotional sponges who take on your
stress and other people’s stress and may act out when you’re angry or stressed.
They might have one best friend rather than a large group of friends.
What are some of the challenges that these kids
face in school, at home, with peers?
Similar to Aurora, the main character in “The Highly
Sensitive Rabbit,” at school or at home sensitive kids often get made fun of,
or are called “cry babies” or they are bullied. These children can feel
different than other kids because they are overstimulated by noise, loud
talking, and prefer a quiet walk in the forest to the chaos of loud video games
or violent action films.
How can parents better support their sensitive
children?
Some tips for nurturing highly sensitive children include
encouraging your child’s sensitivities and intuition. Make it clear that not
everyone is accepting of these gifts and identify people who might be safe.
Listen closely to what your child feels and respect their feelings. Emphasize
that sensitivity is something to be proud of.
Also learn to support them in calming down if they get
overstimulated. Allow them to have alone time to decompress. Help your child
turn down the dial on stress.
What unique qualities do sensitive kids have
that caregivers and educators should be aware of?
They may care deeply about other people, animals., trees,
flowers and the natural world They have strong emotions and may cry more than
other kids or feel very sad if a child or animal is suffering. They want to
help others and are extremely empathic. But their emotions may overwhelm them
and they might have a hard time containing their feelings. Highly sensitive
kids must learn to breathe out stress when they are upset and gain self-mastery
in calming themselves. Teach them to be aware of when they are absorbing other
people’s stress and how to meditate or practice slow breathing to center
themselves. Encourage the child to take alone time to be quiet and creative.
Parents and caregivers can be emotional stabilizers. One mother told me, “When
I’m anxious my sensitive son feels it which destabilizes him and triggers
tantrums.” When I’m centered it makes him feel more secure.”
How can parents and teachers better support
these qualities?
See your child’s sensitivity as something that is right
with them—there is nothing wrong. However, you may need to nurture them in very
specific ways and encourage their perceptions and sensitivities rather than
reinforce that being sensitive is something to be ashamed of or that it is a
sign of weakness.
What do you wish everyone knew about sensitive
kids?
Sensitive kids are a blessing to everyone who meets them.
They must learn from the very beginning how wonderful their sensitivities are,
but being highly sensitive may require a child to develop some skills to deal
with the common challenges. For instance, learning to decompress and calm down
when they’re under stress. I hope “The Highly Sensitive Rabbit” helps you
and your child experience an added respect for your sensitivities. Be your
child’s champion. Teach them to love and accept themselves always.
This article originally ran in LA
Parent Magazine
Judith Orloff MD is a New York Times bestselling author of the upcoming book “The Highly Sensitive Rabbit,” which tells the story of Aurora, a sensitive, caring cottontail in the Sonoran desert, who learns to accept her gifts as a highly sensitive bunny. More information about Dr. Orloff’s LA events and book available for pre-order now at www.drjudithorloff.com.
1 comment:
They often become the compassionate leader of the world.
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