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Brew #4: Family Opinions, Sensitive Child Hideouts & Timer Magic

Author

Jill Gilbert
November 14, 2024

Raising Highly Sensitive Kids. No Filter.

Real Talk

Hey there,

Can you feel it? That familiar tension building as the holiday season approaches – when your parenting choices suddenly become everyone's favorite topic of discussion.

Ten years into this journey of raising a sensitive child, I've lived through every well-meaning comment and disapproving glance. And nowhere do these challenges peak quite like during the holiday season.

The reality is, when everyone's desperate for that picture-perfect family gathering or that ideal holiday trip, tensions rise. Our sensitive children feel it most intensely – the sensory overload, the disrupted routines, the overwhelming expectations of "perfect" family time. And in these moments, when our little ones need our understanding most, we often face the strongest criticism for our parenting choices. 

🤐 Psst... just between us...We’re putting the finishing touches on something really special for Black Friday. This exclusive bundle is designed specifically for moms of highly sensitive children—giving you everything from the best strategies for managing meltdowns to handling those tricky conversations when family members judge your parenting skills. 

What's your biggest holiday challenge with your HSC? Hit reply and share your story – I read every response, and they always remind me why this work matters so much.

Jill

FOUNDER & CEO

HOT OFF THE BLOG

What to Do When Family Criticizes Your Parenting Choices

As the parent of a highly sensitive child, you’re already navigating the unique challenges and rewarding moments that come with raising a child who experiences the world so intensely. When well-meaning (but sometimes overbearing) family members start criticizing your parenting choices, it can add an extra layer of stress and self-doubt. With a little finesse and a lot of self-compassion, you can learn to manage family criticism in a way that protects your child, strengthens your parent-child bond, and upholds the parenting approach you believe in.

WORTH YOUR FOLLOW

Sarah R. Moore brings warmth, wisdom, and real-world experience to conscious parenting. As the bestselling author of "Peaceful Discipline" and founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting, she combines her expertise as a certified Master Trainer in conscious parenting with her journey as a mother. Her unique approach blends neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and playfulness to help families thrive.

With specialties in highly sensitive and strong-willed children, Sarah has been featured on major networks like NBC and CBS. While her credentials are impressive—including Board President for the American Society for the Positive Care of Children—it's her authentic, heart-centered approach that truly sets her apart. Through her accredited parent mentoring program, she guides families worldwide toward deeper connection and joy, all while embracing the beautiful messiness of real parenthood.

She also has a super valuable webinar coming up called “When You Feel Unsupported in the Way You Parent” where you’ll learn how to peacefully stand your ground about your parenting style and possibly even bring critics closer to trying things your way. Register for free here!

News & Research

ON THE RADAR

Walmart's New Sensory-Friendly Move: Adaptive Shopping Carts and Quiet Hours Welcome All

Walmart is revolutionizing its shopping experience with the introduction of Caroline's Carts, specially designed for individuals with disabilities, mobility challenges, or sensory sensitivities. These carts, capable of supporting up to 250 pounds, will be rolled out across 11 states by early 2025.

This step complements Walmart's existing efforts to enhance accessibility, including sensory-friendly shopping hours implemented in November 2023. The retail giant is also expanding its health and wellness services, launching a same-day prescription delivery service in October 2024 making it easier for those with limited access to transportation to get their prescription.

These changes reflect a growing understanding of what families managing sensory challenges and disabilities need to make everyday tasks, like grocery shopping, more accessible and comfortable for everyone.

WEEKLY POLL

What's your biggest challenge during the holidays?

Select an answer

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The

ESSENTIALS

When family life gets noisy and overwhelming, every highly sensitive child needs their own peaceful hideaway! For less than $40, we found the perfect cozy retreat for your little one for when everything feels like too much.

Kids Teepee-Tent with Lights
TINY LAND KIDS

WHY WE LOVE IT

This washable, foldable teepee creates an instant calm-down corner for your highly sensitive child. It's the perfect sensory retreat when the world feels too much, offering a peaceful hideaway that can be tucked away when not in use – ideal for families tight on space or children sharing bedrooms.

WHAT IT’S USEFUL FOR

The soft, washable fabric means you don't have to stress about snacks or art projects happening inside this cozy nook. Its neutral canvas color blends seamlessly with any home décor, so it won't clash with your carefully chosen space. Plus the included star LED lights add an extra touch of magic!

PRO-TIPS

Make this space extra special by adding soft pillows, a favorite stuffed animal, and a comfy blanket. Create a simple "do not disturb" sign together that your child can hang when they need extra quiet time. Keep a small basket of calming activities nearby – like books, fidget toys, or coloring supplies – to help your little one decompress.

Just for Moms

TIME MANAGEMENT HACK

Timers for the win!

Let's be real – as moms, time can feel like it's slipping through our fingers, especially with the holidays coming up!

But I've discovered a game-changing secret that's both free and surprisingly effective: the humble timer. As someone juggling motherhood with ADHD, I've found that timers ⏰ are my trusty sidekick in conquering those dreaded tasks.

Here's the magic….

When facing a mountain of laundry or a cluttered playroom, I set a 20-minute timer. Something about watching that countdown makes me laser-focused, and honestly, anything feels manageable for just 20 minutes! Pro tip: your smart home assistant (hello, Alexa!) makes setting timers as easy as asking.

But timers aren't just for us moms!

They're fantastic for our little ones too. They can transform tricky transitions into smooth sailing: "When this timer rings, it's bedtime!" For highly sensitive children, timers provide the predictability they crave, whether it's signaling the end of park time or screen time.

My favorite unexpected bonus? Timer challenges can turn mundane tasks into fun family games. "Let's see how many toys we can put away before the timer beeps!

☕ 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! 💖

What We’re Doing

CURRENT FAVORITE

Raising Good Humans Podcast

WITH DR. ALIZA

This amazing podcast is like sitting down for coffee with a brilliant friend who just happens to be a developmental psychologist.

While not specifically focused on highly sensitive children, it delivers powerful insights that will transform your parenting toolbox.

Each episode beautifully weaves cutting-edge research with practical, down-to-earth advice that actually works in real life. Dr. Aliza tackles everything from managing big emotions to building family connections, making complex child development concepts feel accessible and actionable. 

She brings in fascinating experts who share fresh perspectives on common parenting challenges. Her warm, judgment-free approach reminds us that while parenting isn't always perfect, we're all growing and learning together.

We hope you enjoyed this email from A Cuppa Momsense.