A Snapshot of your child…

Creative Sensitive Souls feel things deeply and as young children, may be quick to cry. Extremely empathetic, they avoid conflict and try to make people happy, often putting others’ needs ahead of their own. Many are creative, which they may express through art, music, poetry, dance, acting, etc. Creative Sensitive Souls have vivid imaginations, and when they’re young may like to start games with “Pretend that…” They are  likely to take things personally, can be moody and are easily upset when criticized. Because these children often feel things more intensely than other types of children, they can feel lonely and sometimes, that they don’t quite belong. They are usually loving and physically affectionate, can be easily frightened and are prone to worrying. 

Although every individual is unique, research shows that many Creative Sensitive Souls may have a significantly higher-than-average risk of developing anxiety and depression.

Have the conversation

If you have concerns about your child’s emotional health, it’s important for you have a conversation with them – even if it may be uncomfortable.

Choose a time and place where you won’t be interrupted – especially by electronic devices! Understand that most sensitive children have a hard time reaching out and sharing their feelings, so it’s critically important that you create a safe, quiet space and that your child has your complete, undivided attention. This sends them the message they desperately need to hear: “You are so important to me. I am here for you, and I can help you with whatever is troubling you.”

How to connect with your child

Parents and children whose personality types are quite different often struggle to communicate. When parents can meet their children where they are – and communicate more in the child’s style, the conversation is much more satisfying for both parent and child. Here are some tried-and-true suggestions about how to engage your Creative Sensitive Soul child:

• Try not to judge or rush them through their feelings.

• Appreciate their individuality and express your love and affection frequently.

• Forgive them quickly, and never give them “the silent treatment”.

• Encourage them to speak their truth, and not have to sugarcoat things.

• Listen to and support their ideas; don’t squelch their creativity or originality.
  

Trusted Resources

Here is a list of trusted resources that may be helpful.

National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI 

Anxiety and depression in children: Get the facts from the CDC 

How to Help Children and Teens Cope With Stress and Anxiety 

The Child Health and Development Institute 

The Highly Sensitive Person 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

International Association for Suicide Prevention

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Crisis text line

For a deeper understanding of your child based on their personality type, preview Nurture By Nature – the most comprehensive resource about personality type and parenting by Paul Tieger and Barbara Barron.

Evidence-based research

The TPI-C assessment and information shared in this report are the result of the most comprehensive original peer-reviewed study of its kind involving 10,500 subjects. It established a strong statistical correlation between inborn personality type and anxiety and depression and was conducted by Paul D. Tieger and a team of researchers at a leading academic institution. 

Have questions or comments?

Please contact Paul D. Tieger, creator of the TPI-C™. You can learn more about him here.