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Sensory Processing Disorder Parenting: Showing Empathy

August 5, 2014 by Selena Robinson 6 Comments

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Last week, I shared the beginning stages of our journey toward an official sensory processing disorder diagnosis. Today I’m passing along four sensory processing disorder parenting tips that are helping me relate to my children.

Empathy is an important part of positive parenting. When we identify with our kids’ feelings, we can adjust our parenting approach to help them sort through their emotions and follow our directions.

Even though I don’t necessarily have SPD (that I know of), I have found that I do have a few sensory issues. So, I’ve been trying to tap into those feelings to empathize with my children.

Sensory Processing Disorder Parenting

Sensory Processing Disorder Parenting Tips for Showing Empathy

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  • Think about how you feel when you’re overwhelmed. What sensory moments set you off or irritate you? For me, it’s lots of loud noise. When all of the kids are talking at once, I literally feel like my brain is short-circuiting. So I know that sensory overload is damaging.
  • Magnify your own feelings by 10 to get a sense of your child’s emotions. Even though I get irritated when my senses are overwhelmed, I can (usually) stay in control because I know what I’m doing next or because I know I have an action plan. My kids, though, don’t have that option. Naturally, their own response is not going to be as measured as mine. So why would I expect them to behave the way I do?
  • Accept that your children have the right to feel. This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s something we often overlook as parents. Our children are entitled to their feelings. They really are. Their feelings don’t have to make sense or meet some kind of standard for normality. We shouldn’t ever criticize or belittle what they feel, even if we don’t understand why they are reacting to something so strongly. Since kids with SPD tend to have stronger emotional responses, we need to be prepared to help them manage those feelings, not deny them.
  • Acknowledge your kids’ feelings before giving instructions or discipline. To help our children show obedience, we need to deal with their feelings first. Personally, I know that if I’m angry or sad, I find it very hard to follow instructions (even if they’re good for me!). My feelings are so strong that they basically block out my good sense. My kids are the same way. If they’re consumed with their feelings or sensory responses, they’re not going to be able to follow my instructions. I have to acknowledge their feelings and help them work through them before I can expect them to cooperate with direction.

The Ultimate Guide to Brain Breaks eBook

Other Parenting with Empathy Resources:

  1. Empathic Parenting – The Natural Child Project
  2. Why Empathy is Not Indulgence – MomPsych
  3. The Importance of Empathy in Parenting – My Life and Kids
  4. Empathic Limits in Action: Leaving the Playground – Aha! Parenting

Have you tried parenting with empathy? Does showing empathy make it easier for you to handle sensory processing disorder parenting struggles? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Sensory Processing Disorder Parenting: Showing Empathy - Look! We're Learning!

Sensory Fix™ for Everyday Sensory Needs

Filed Under: Parenting, SPD Homeschooling, Special Needs Homeschooling Tagged With: sensory processing disorder, spd

Comments

  1. Mommy Catharsis says

    August 5, 2014 at 2:07 pm

    I definitely am a big believer in the power of empathy. It helps me as a teacher as well. I am actually able to empathize with my four year-old son well because we’re so much alike. He’s been recently diagnosed with ASD and as I learn more and more about what that diagnosis entails, I’m almost amused by how many of the symptoms apply to me! Conversely, I always get frustrated with him easily because it’s like arguing with myself. Oh, the joys of parenting! 🙂

    Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Selena Robinson says

      August 7, 2014 at 6:01 am

      I know! So many times, I’ve told the kids to be still and then caught myself fidgeting around immediately afterward…lol. It’s definitely a growing experience.

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  2. Robyn R says

    August 5, 2014 at 4:31 pm

    Some excellent points. Our best educational experiences are with teachers who may not understand it, but use empathy to work through SPD issues. I love them!

    Reply
    • Selena Robinson says

      August 7, 2014 at 6:02 am

      Exactly! We don’t necessarily have to understand someone in order to empathize with them, as long as we’re willing to listen to their feelings. 🙂

      Thanks for visiting!

      Reply
  3. Natasha says

    August 11, 2014 at 8:35 am

    Great reminders…for all parents! Thanks

    Reply
    • Selena Robinson says

      August 15, 2014 at 9:20 pm

      Very true! We ALL need empathy, no matter what our situation is. 🙂

      Reply

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