The highly sensitive child-how to help our children ythrive when the world overwhelms them. Elaine Aron

This book has been such a help to me, both in terms of helping me to understand the often fearful reactions of two of my children, perhaps even more so in helping me not to value the way they are. Aron, herself a "highly sensitive person" and the mother of one looks at the way in which bright lights, strangers, strong smells/tastes,new social experiences can all feel so much stronger to some children and that , if they are the only one at toddler group/school/parties clinging tearfully to a parent, or indeed if they find many foods difficult to eat, it is not because they are flawed in some way. They have the upside of heightened perception which makes them extremely empathetic and thoughtful, meaning that they generally become people others are drawn to. As they get older, where they have had the chance to be nurtured and gently encouraged to take up challenges, they are often the most adventurous of souls by the time they are in their 20s-even in their teens that still might not seem possible.
An encouraging book which celebrates difference and reminds you not to be ashamed of your child when they don't find life as easy as others but to enjoy attempting to give them the safe shores they need as they prepare for each new bit of their journey.
PS there's a version for coping with oneself as a highly sensitive adult out there!