Highly Sensitive Child

[Tw1nkle]

Not - not too sure if this is in the right forum section but....

My DD(6), is highly sensitive.
We're expecting baby2, and my DD is coping well at all. Doctor has diagnosed anxiety issues.

Does anyone have any advice please?

Thanks.

Awwh bless her - have you asked her what she is specifically anxious about? No doubt the new baby, but there are different aspects to this (sharing mummy/daddy, not knowing what her 'role' will be anymore, sharing toys/room/baths, etc) and kids can make big worries out of the oddest things. You might be able to allay each concern if she can identify them with you. Lots of hugs and general reassurance is always good, of course. How about starting a weekly special thing for her (swimming, craft session, friend over for tea/sleepover, cinema trip, etc) once the baby is born - as a present from her new sibling?

Sending lots of sympathy/empathy. Not what you need when you are go in through a challenging time personally.

From experience:

• are you sure she doesn't have any undiagnosed SEN or sensory issues? These sometimes get brushed over by GPs (although you sound like you have a good one). Does she have sensitivity to light, sound, etc, that can cause anxiety?
• ask for help from her school. There may be staff with experience or people they can call in.
• as recommended to me on here, hunt down the work book "What to do when you worry too much" on Amazon. It's brilliant.
• lots of hugs and dedicated 1:1 time with her from you and your partner. Think about how you will handle this after DC2 is born - for example, I was a dedicated breastfeeder to both my DCs but did introduce bottles early to Dc2 in conjunction with bf, which did enable me to spend time with DC1 at bath/bed time and also weekend days out, homework etc. also childcare for DC1 was important.
• watch out for when she is back on an even keel but continuing to play up. Being "anxious" can become an ingrained behaviour that is hard to break, because of the attention they get. A bit of tough love can be needed to kick them back into "normal" behaviour.

Good luck and feel free to PM me.