
Does your child have sensitivity issues? If so, you know that seemingly minor irritations can cause significant problems. It can prove challenging to unearth the source of the distress, especially if your child can’t communicate what’s bothering them. Sensitive Children need accommodations to lessen the unexpected sources of irritation.
6 Unexpected Sources of Irritation for Sensitive Children
With that in mind, the following six items consist of common irritants. These substances and activities can trigger emotional responses in those with heightened sensitivity. The next time you can’t decipher why your child is acting out, consider these possibilities. Knowing this information can help you reduce those unexpected sources for your child.

Clothing
Have you ever worn a wool sweater in an overly warm room? If so, you probably couldn’t wait to go home and change into something else. For children with sensitivity issues, a variety of garments can prove problematic.
Whenever possible, avoid fabrics like wool or nylon, which can flare up allergic reactions. Exercise caution with metal elements as well since nickel can cause redness and irritation in certain people.
As a proactive measure, remove the tags from your sensitive children’s clothing and wash each article before placing them in the closet. It’s a small but essential step toward making your child feel more comfortable. Target has an amazing line of clothing for children with sensory needs.

VOCs
Did you know the air inside your home can be two to five times dirtier than the air outdoors? Chemicals in paints and carpeting emit into the atmosphere, causing psychological distress in some children. Additionally, dry indoor air conditions can create the perfect breeding ground for germs.
Look for — and avoid — goods labeled with zero or low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Teflon pans, for example, emit toxins when you use them for cooking. Craft supplies, like polymer clay, can also release chemicals into the air.
Change your ventilation filters once per month, particularly if you have pets or smokers in the home. Consider investing in a humidifier or a diffuser to prevent overly dry conditions.

Specific Foods
If your sensitive children are unusually cranky at mealtime, they might have food sensitivities. Those with food allergies may experience symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea within an hour of ingesting the offending substance. However, some sensitivities produce mood changes without severe physical distress.
You can try an elimination diet with children of nearly any age by removing suspected inflammatory foods. After a few weeks, gradually add one meal at a time back in until you discover the source of distress.

Unexpected Sounds
Do you jump when someone sneaks up behind you? Some children have an exaggerated startle response due to a genetic variation that causes them to freeze at external sounds. For children with autism, spd, and other disorders, loud noises may cause them to shut down temporarily. Using Noise Cancelling Headphones is a great way to help reduce unexpected and loud noises.
Children who have experienced abuse develop such a response, too. While you can’t eliminate all stressors, such as car horns, strive to make your home as peaceful as possible. Keep heated arguments to a minimum and avoid loud music and televisions that can trigger sensitive ears.

Temperature and Pressure
Do you feel less than energetic on a damp, gloomy day? Maybe your arthritis flares up when the barometric pressure drops. If so, the same physiological processes that create the weather and impact your outlook also affect your children.
Unfortunately, you can’t control Mother Nature. You can, however, cut your little one some additional slack on miserable days. Don’t tolerate truly atrocious behavior, but learn to choose your battles. If one cookie before dinner will avoid a meltdown, its okay to give permission. Do what works best for your sensitive children and family.

Miscommunication
Sensitive children can grow increasingly frustrated when they can’t communicate their needs. Your three-year-old might lack the ability to say, “This noisy playroom is giving me a headache and making me feel anxious.”
Try using pictures or sign language to convey meaning. You might point to your ears to ask if a situation is too loud, for example. Make an effort to pick up on your child’s cues.
You may notice they start to rock themselves to self-soothe when they’re feeling overwhelmed. If this behavior occurs during a play date, suggest a time out or temporarily redirect them to a quiet activity.

Avoiding Irritants for Sensitive Children
You can help avoid meltdowns and improve your child’s mental wellness by minimizing exposure to the six irritants for sensitive children above. Looking for more information for special needs parenting? Check out our latest posts and make sure to subscribe to our email list below.