– it reduces chances of anxiety later in life

A recent study by Australian and Dutch researchers found certain behaviours by parents play a role in protecting preschoolers from becoming anxious because they are encouraged to take risks, safely. Parents who play games with their kids, challenge them to a race, muck about with rough-and-tumble play, tease a little, encourage them to be assertive and take some risks, are helping to reduce the chances of their children developing anxiety problems.

This is especially important for parents of a highly sensitive child (HSC) to know because, understandably, we may tend to engage in more over-protective behaviour around our HSC. Dr Elaine Aron in her book The Highly Sensitive Child suggests to parents “to avoid over-protection and to be sure your child is exposed to new experiences rein in your anxieties”. Previous research has established links between how over-controlling, or ‘helicopter-style’ parenting can heighten anxiety in children.

A couple of everyday ways parents can display more challenging parent behaviour (CPB) are:
1. Encouraging a child if they are cautious about approaching something, e.g. a dog in the park – encourage them by showing them how you would approach a dog and let them sniff your hand (palms down).
2. Include competitions like running or playing games with the kids – it’s safe and lets them experience what it feels like to lose.
3. Pick the right times to engage in some GENTLE ‘banter’ between just you and your child.