Brew #12: Power Struggle Solutions & Sensory Wardrobe Wins

Author

Jill Gilbert
January 09, 2025

Raising Highly Sensitive Kids. No Filter.

Hi Mama!

Have you ever found yourself standing in the middle of a meltdown, taking deep breaths while silently repeating "I can handle this" like a mantra?

Between the daily tightrope walk of setting loving boundaries and nurturing our sensitive little ones' hearts, parenting can feel like we're constantly searching for that elusive sweet spot of gentle authority. And sometimes it seems like everyone else has figured out the secret password to peaceful parenting while we're still here, questioning our every move.

But here's what this week's issue is really about - transforming those questioning moments into confident ones. I've packed it with game-changing strategies that have literally changed the atmosphere in my own home.

In this issue:

  • 💝 A special invitation just for you (and a surprise thank you gift waiting!)

  • 🌟 Dive into verbal de-escalation techniques that actually work

  • 📱 Get ready to screenshot @thekidlitmama's genius calm-down basket ideas

  • 👕 Finally, a solution for the "it's too scratchy!" morning meltdowns

  • 🎯 The Domino Method that's revolutionizing how mamas get things done

  • 📚 A must-read book that'll have you nodding so hard your neck might hurt

Every resource, technique, and product recommendation in this issue comes straight from real-life testing - not in some perfectly curated Instagram moment, but in the messy, beautiful chaos of life with a highly sensitive child.

Remember, questioning your approach doesn't mean you're doing it wrong - it means you're paying attention. You've got this, mama - and more importantly, you've got us.

Jill

HSC MAMA, FOUNDER & CEO

💌 A SPECIAL INVITATION: Can we chat? 💌

A friend was venting to me recently about the lack of support for her highly sensitive daughter and especially for the parents, and it really got me thinking....Don't we all just want the same thing - what's best for our child?

And maybe we also want parenting our HSC's to feel a little.. lighter and (dare I say) easier.

So tell me, where do you find you get stuck when it comes to parenting? Is it typically around the meltdowns or is it something different every day? Like...

  • What keeps you up at night?

  • What do you worry about for the future?

  • What do you struggle with on a daily basis?

I'd love the opportunity to chat with you and pick your mom brain. And as a thank you for taking the time to share with me, I'll send a little something special your way.

So grateful your here. ❤️

Ready to chat? It'll just be you and me having a private conversation so simply reply to this email or click below to find a time that works for you...Jill

Can't find a time that works? Just email us - we’ll find what works in your schedule.

HOT OFF THE BLOG

Mastering Verbal De-escalation Techniques for Calmer Parenting

As mothers of highly sensitive children, we walk a constant tightrope between nurturing our children’s emotional well-being and holding firm boundaries. We crave peaceful homes, but the path to get there can feel riddled with meltdowns and power struggles, leaving us questioning our every move. I’ve been there – in the thick of it, wondering if there’s a way to parent with both love and authority without completely losing my cool.

It’s in these moments where understanding effective verbal de-escalation techniques becomes paramount. Believe me, mastering these techniques has been a game-changer in my own parenting journey, leading to more harmonious interactions with my own HSC. Let’s take a look at how you can begin to do this with your child.

OUR FAVORITE REELS OF THE WEEK

WHAT IS THE GREATEST GIFT A CAREGIVER CAN PROVIDE?

Oh my gosh, @jenniferbrehenywallace absolutely nailed it - when mama takes care of herself, it's like giving her child the biggest gift without wrapping a single present. We're literally jumping up and down watching this because it perfectly captures what we've been saying forever - putting yourself first isn't selfish, it's straight-up magical for your kids!

WHAT’S IN MY 4 YEAR OLD’S CALM DOWN BASKET

Can't even handle how perfect @thekidlitmama’s calm down basket is - it's packed with the best mix of goodies that actually work for helping little ones ride those big emotion waves! We're totally stealing her genius ideas for age-perfect books and toys that make emotional regulation feel less like work and more like play. 🙌

HOW DO I GET MY KID TO LISTEN?

Y'all, @encourage.club just dropped some serious wisdom about working with our kiddos instead of trying to make them listen - and we are HERE for it! When we give our little ones some say in their world (instead of calling all the shots), it's like magic... suddenly those power struggles melt away and everyone's having an easier time. 💫

THIS WEEK’S MUST-HAVE

Mamas, we've found the holy grail of kids' clothing at Lucky & Me, and if you've ever survived the "it's too scratchy!" battles or morning meltdowns over uncomfortable clothes, you're going to want to hear this!

Lucky & Me: The Comfiest Clothes for Sensitive Kids

WHY WE LOVE IT

Lucky & Me gets it - like, REALLY gets it. They've created the softest, coziest kids' clothing that's actually designed with our sensitive little ones in mind. We're talking cloud-soft organic cotton that feels like a gentle hug, no scratchy tags in sight, and seams that don't feel like tiny torture devices. The best part? These clothes won't have you crying over your credit card statement!

WHAT IT’S USEFUL FOR

From undies that don't bunch up (hallelujah!) to everyday basics that can handle playground adventures, these pieces are perfect for kiddos who notice every little sensation. Whether your child has specific sensory needs or just appreciates super-soft comfort (who doesn't?), these clothes make getting dressed feel like a win instead of a wrestling match.

PRO-TIPS

Take advantage of their free shipping and returns to find your perfect fit and use our link below to snag 10% off your first order! Because the only thing better than super-comfy clothes is getting them on sale, right?

☕ Sip & Support: While "A Cuppa Momsense" is our gift to you, some product links may be affiliates. If you treat yourself, we might get a little something too – at no extra cost to you. It's how we keep the coffee flowing! 💖

THE DOMINO METHOD TO GET SH*T DONE FASTER

Think of your morning routine as a line of dominoes.

Each action flows naturally into the next. Start with making your bed, which instantly clears space to sort last night's laundry, which means choosing tomorrow's outfit is effortless.

The key is connecting related tasks.

While the kettle boils for tea, unload the dishwasher. When you're chopping vegetables for dinner, prep tomorrow's lunch ingredients too. When you bring in the mail, sort it immediately next to the recycling bin.

The momentum builds as each completed task creates an obvious next step.

I know some of this may sound obvious but sometimes we get so focused on what needs to get done, we end up scattered, doing it all in the most inefficient way possible. This prevents those ‘standing in rooms wondering what to tackle next’ moments.

Just follow the natural flow as one domino tips into another, turning scattered tasks into a satisfying chain of completion. 🎯

OUR FAVORITE BOOK OF THE MONTH

The Let Them Theory

MEL ROBBINS

Sometimes a book comes along that hits you so hard, you can't help but share it twice. I've been devouring Mel Robbins' latest work, and I love how it beautifully reinforces what many of us need to learn on this journey: it's okay to let others think what they want about our parenting choices while we keep doing what we know in our hearts is right for our kids. When you're making accommodations for sensory needs or taking a gentler approach that others might not understand, Robbins' wisdom hits home.

The book is also shaping how I'll help my sensitive child navigate a world that might not always understand their beautiful way of experiencing life. I'm already weaving the "Let Them" mindset into conversations with my little one, planting seeds for them to embrace their wonderful sensitivity regardless of others' opinions.

If you're tired of explaining why you parent your HSC differently or feeling the weight of others' judgments, this book offers both validation and practical tools to parent more confidently. It's like finding the words for something your heart already knew.

Until next week, sip slowly & savor the calm ☕️