Parent Your Highly Sensitive Child Like A Ninja

I've noticed a new parenting trend going viral on social media, and even a WSJ article focusing on it recently: FAFO parenting, which stands for "F-ck Around and Find Out". On the surface, it seems to make sense - give kids freedom to make their own mistakes, then let them face the natural consequences Especially for those of us raising highly sensitive kids, FAFO parenting can sound very tempting when we're at our wits' end with the daily meltdowns and shutdowns. But here's why FAFO is actually the WORST approach for our sensitive kids: Sensitive kids need MORE guidance and scaffolding, not less. Their nervous systems are already overwhelmed trying to process so much input. Throwing them into the deep end to "f-ck around and find out" will only lead to more dysregulation and meltdowns. What they need is a compassionate co-regulator (that's you!) to guide them through tricky situations and model healthy coping skills. Sensitive kids internalize shame very deeply. The "find out" part of FAFO usually involves some form of shaming, whether that's an "I told you so" attitude or even blatant mocking when kids make a mistake. For sensitive kids, shame is like poison to their sense of self. They will take those shaming messages straight to their core and believe there is something wrong with them. Building their self-esteem requires empathy and emotional attunement, not shame and "tough love". Sensitive kids need resilience to demonstrate creative problem solving. If your child is demonstrating the meltdown cycle, watch our free training here: https://www.megghanthompsoncoaching.com/5-shifts-registration If your teen is struggling to engage with your family, shutting down and struggling with a perfectionism spiral, watch our free training here: https://www.megghanthompsoncoaching.com/tp/5-steps-registration If you're ready to book a call with our team, use this link: https://www.megghanthompsoncoaching.com/pod/book-your-call-now For families with high school aged teens, use this link: https://www.megghanthompsoncoaching.com/tp/teentalk

What if the very thing you thought was holding you back from career success... Was actually the key to unlocking your full potential? That's exactly what happened for our next Powerful Parents podcast guest, Jane*. As a highly sensitive person (HSP) and mother to a highly sensitive daughter, Jane struggled for years with self-doubt and feeling overwhelmed. She knew she wanted to make an impact but questioned her skills to take on a leadership role in her city's public school system. And her inner critic kept telling her she couldn't handle the pressure. Then, everything changed when Jane joined our bootcamp program for her daughter, Amy*. Through the transformation we created in her household, Jane discovered: How to turn her sensitivity into a leadership superpower The exact strategies to stay grounded and focused under pressure How to create a home environment that supports her whole family's resilience Fast forward to today, and Jane has earned not one, but TWO promotions in her school system. She's using the same tools she learned in bootcamp to support the students, parents and staff she serves. And best of all? Her daughter Amy is thriving right alongside her. The frequency, intensity and duration of Amy's meltdowns have significantly declined since bootcamp– they are now once in a blue moon whereas 3+/day was the norm. She's more articulate with her feelings and proactively problem-solves without prompting. Proof that when HSP parents thrive, their sensitive kids do too. In this inspiring episode, Jane shares: How she transformed her mindset around her own sensitivity The specific tools and routines that have reduced Amy's meltdowns and increased her flexibility How she's implemented bootcamp strategies like validation and restorative practices in her school leadership If you've ever felt like your sensitivity was a liability in your career... Listen to today's episode to learn more: If your child is demonstrating the meltdown cycle, watch our free training here: https://www.megghanthompsoncoaching.com/5-shifts-registration If your teen is struggling to engage with your family, shutting down and struggling with a perfectionism spiral, watch our free training here: https://www.megghanthompsoncoaching.com/tp/5-steps-registration If you're ready to book a call with our team, use this link: https://www.megghanthompsoncoaching.com/pod/book-your-call-now For families with high school aged teens, use this link: https://www.megghanthompsoncoaching.com/tp/teentalk

As a parent of a highly sensitive child, have you ever worried that your child's big emotions could be a sign of something more serious, like narcissism?   If so, you're not alone. And our next Powerful Parents guest has the answers you've been searching for.   Meet Amy Kempe, a therapist, author, and mom of an HSP who's dedicated the last 17 years to helping adults navigate the complexities of sensitivity, empathy, and narcissism.   With a Master's in Counseling from Villanova University and a thriving practice specializing in Narcissistic Abuse Recovery and Highly Sensitive Adults...   Amy knows exactly how to spot the difference between low emotional intelligence and true narcissism.   And in this enlightening episode, she's sharing that wisdom with you.   Connect with Amy www.authenticlifetherapy.com www.myhealthclimb.com Instagram: amy.kempe.therapist  https://catalog.pesi.com/speaker/amy-kempe-642815   Book a call with our team:  https://www.megghanthompsoncoaching.com/talk  

If you've ever felt like you're fighting a losing battle against screens and meltdowns...   You're not alone. And our next Powerful Parents podcast guest is here to help.   Meet Jenna Kruse, a speaker, writer and mom of 3 who's dedicated her life to helping parents thrive in the digital age.   With over 20 years experience working with teens alongside her husband...   Jenna knows exactly how screen time can amplify the challenges of raising sensitive kids…   Especially when your sensitive child struggles with self-regulation and boredom.   Sound familiar?   Then you won't want to miss this game-changing episode.   Book your call with our team: https://www.megghanthompsoncoaching.com/talk   Connect with Jenna! Click here for her website! Jenna's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalparent_talk/

Have you heard why 70% of our clients are teachers, doctors, nurses, and therapists?   Because sensory processing sensitivity is not properly explained in grad school– they value early intervention, and they take extreme ownership in parenting intentionally… just like you!   I have a special announcement for you that I discuss on this week’s podcast, and I cannot wait for you to hear it!   Check it out here!

What if everything you thought you knew about your child's meltdowns was wrong? According to Dr. Caylin Riley, a general pediatrician and mother of 3 highly sensitive children (HSCs), there's a critical piece of the puzzle most parents are missing. It's called the "highly sensitive" trait. And it affects a whopping 20% of all kids. As an HSP (highly sensitive person) herself, Dr. Riley knows firsthand the challenges these unique kids face. She spent years researching to understand what was making life so hard for her oldest child. And what she discovered changed everything. Now, she's on a mission to educate pediatric professionals about this game-changing trait. So that every child can get the support they need to thrive. Book your call with me and my team: https://www.megghanthompsoncoaching.com/talk Connect with Dr. Lange: https://www.pedsforhscs.org/ Want to know if your child is an HSC? Visit here: https://www.megghanthompsoncoaching.com/is-my-child-highly-sensitive? Connect with me: Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1J_DPqWkrqbp7Q8XaGAxxg?view_as=subscriber Website: https://www.megghanthompsoncoaching.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megghanthompsoncoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megghanthompsoncoaching  #HighlySensitiveChild #HighlySensitivePerson #HSC #HSP

As a parent, have you ever felt helpless watching your child struggle with big emotions, anxiety or even thoughts of self-harm?   You're not alone. And on Episode 2 of our Powerful Parents series, our next guest has been on the front lines of this battle for over two decades.   Meet Tami Reichert, a pediatric nurse of 23 years turned board-certified nurse coach and soon-to-be psychiatric nurse practitioner.   Tami has seen it all in the pediatric behavioral health emergency room.    From kids unable to regulate their emotions, to heartbreaking cases of self-harm and suicide attempts.   As a mother of two teen girls herself, Tami knows the unique challenges parents face in today's world.   And she's on a mission to equip families with the skills to break generational trauma and raise resilient, emotionally regulated children.   Click here to book a call with our team: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/talk

What if you could wave a magic wand and make your child's daily meltdowns disappear... in just 48 hours?    Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, Janiffer Stewart, founder of The Empowered Parentpreneur Hub, did exactly that.   And she's sharing her story on the premier episode of our new Powerful Parents series on our podcast, Parent Your Highly Sensitive Child Like a Ninja.   Janiffer is no stranger to struggle. She lost nearly everything and had to rebuild her life from scratch, with just $5 to her name. Book a call with our team: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/talk Contact Jannifer: info@janifferstewart.com Jannifer's facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeschoolparentpreneurs/

On this week's podcast episode, I had the honor of being a guest on Epic F.I.T. Network TV's Mompreneurs: The Real Deal.  Listen in on how I got started and advice I share for other mom's wanting to start their own business.  See more from Epic F.I.T. Network TV: theepicfit.com/epic-f-i-t-network-tv/ Struggling with daily meltdowns? Book a call with my team here: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/talk For families with teens in high school: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/teentalk

Do you ever feel like traditional parenting advice just doesn't work for your sensitive child? Like no matter what you try, the meltdowns, power struggles and emotional rollercoasters keep happening? You're not alone. The truth is, highly sensitive children need a radically different approach. Their big feelings, perceptiveness and emotional intensity are actually incredible gifts - but without the right parenting tools, these gifts often manifest as challenging behaviors instead. The great news is, with a few key shifts, you can start to see your child's sensitivity as their superpower. Listen in to learn 3 principles parents must follow to raise thriving sensitive kids. Book your call with our team: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/talk For families with teen in high school: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/teentalk

Are you tired of feeling frustrated and helpless when it comes to your child's aggressive behavior?  Do you feel like you've tried everything from traditional parenting techniques to yelling and rewards, but nothing seems to work? Here at MTC we understand how difficult and stressful it can be to deal with a child who is exhibiting aggressive behavior.  It can take a toll on your relationship with your child and with your partner, causing arguments and tension.  But there is hope. Just look at what happened with Jamie and John and their 7-year-old HSC.  Book a call with our team here: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/talk For families with teens in high school: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/teentalk

If you're the parent of a highly sensitive child, ineffective behaviors like refusal, shut down, and meltdowns can feel like your daily battleground.   You worry you'll be seen as "those parents" whose child is always having a fit.   You feel guilty that your other kids get less attention because your sensitive child takes all the energy.   And secretly, you may even resent your child at times for hijacking your family's peace and joy.   I want you to know, it's not your fault. And you're not alone in this struggle.   Traditional parenting approaches and discipline simply don't work for highly sensitive children. Their brains are wired differently.   But the good news is, you can eliminate those daily battles and bring more calm to your home.   Book a call with our team here: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/talk For families with teens in high school: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/teentalk

As a parent of a highly sensitive child, you're already blazing your own trail.   You've rejected the old, harsh discipline methods that you grew up with. Instead, you're committed to raising an emotionally resilient child using positive parenting strategies.   But when Grandma and Grandpa see you comforting your child through a meltdown instead of sending them to their room, the disapproving looks and unsolicited advice can make you second guess yourself.   How do you stay firm in your nontraditional parenting style when facing criticism from the older generation?   Listen in for my 3 principles.  Book a call with my team: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/talk For families with teen in high school: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/teentalk    

If you’ve got a sensitive, “strong-willed” child who seems to have a meltdown over everything, you might be wondering:   "Is gentle parenting even possible for us?"   You’ve tried being calm, patient, and understanding, but your child still pushes back—hard.    The endless tears, the screaming, the arguments... it’s exhausting.    And when gentle parenting doesn’t seem to work, it’s easy to feel like you’re failing.   But here’s the thing most people don’t understand:   Gentle parenting isn’t just for “gentle kids.”    At the core, it’s for all kids—but the sensitive child needs more structure than just “show compassion and patience.”   The problem?    Sensitive kids don’t respond to the same cookie-cutter advice you’ve probably heard a thousand times.   Book a call with my team today: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/book-your-call-now For families with high school aged teens: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/teentalk

Imagine having the tools to defuse the emotional bombs before they go off, to communicate in a way your child can actually hear and respond to, to create a home that feels loving and calm instead of chaotic and overwhelming.   Imagine your sensitive child being able to express their big feelings without the screaming, the tears, the all-consuming outbursts. Imagine them building resilience, finding their voice, learning to thrive.   I know it might feel impossible right now. You're exhausted, overwhelmed, maybe even hopeless after trying everything and seeing no change. The parenting books gathering dust on your shelves, the sticker charts and time-outs and "calm down corners" that only seem to make things worse...   Book a call with my team today: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/talk For families with high school aged teens: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/teentalk

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a flurry of festive parties and family gatherings.   For highly sensitive children, this time of year can be especially challenging. Their vivid imaginations conjure up visions of the perfect celebration, complete with harmonious relatives, dream gifts, and picture-perfect moments.   But when reality falls short of these elaborate expectations (as it often does), sensitive kids can find themselves drowning in disappointment and frustration.   If your child has ever had a meltdown at a holiday party because the gift wasn't quite right or the cousins weren't acting according to plan, you're not alone.   Highly sensitive children feel deeply and imagine thoroughly. They notice every detail and nuance, which can be both a blessing and a curse when navigating the unpredictability of holiday gatherings.   So, what can you do to help your sensitive child cope when their big dreams collide with less-than-perfect realities?   Register for my latest training, The top 3 mistakes parents make in trying to end the daily meltdown cycle, here: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/3mistakes

If you're the parent of a highly sensitive child, you've probably tried everything to help them manage their meltdowns. Breathing exercises, counting to ten, talking it out afterwards... but nothing seems to stick. It's an endless cycle of reactivity, and it's exhausting for everyone involved. But here's the thing: it's not your fault, and it's not your child's fault either. The real problem is that most therapists and parenting strategies focus on reactive care. They wait for a meltdown to happen, then try to slap a band-aid skill on it and hope for the best. But that's like trying to build a house without a foundation. It might look okay for a minute, but it won't stand up to the first big storm. If you're ready to build that foundation for your family, register for my latest training, The top 3 mistakes parents make in trying to end the daily meltdown cycle: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/3mistakes

As a parent of a highly sensitive child, it's easy to feel helpless in the face of daily meltdowns and challenging behaviors.   You may wonder, "Is this just who my child is? Am I stuck dealing with this chaos forever?"   I want to offer you a resounding NO. You are not powerless. In fact, you have far more influence over your child's behavior than you may realize.   This week on the podcast, I'm diving deep into the research on family dynamics and the incredible capacity parents have to shape their child's emotional development.   Register for The top 3 mistakes parents make in trying to end the daily meltdown cycle here: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/3mistakes

I see you. I know you try so hard every single day to be the parent you know your child needs.   You teach emotional intelligence daily, yet you worry constantly that you're failing your own sensitive child.   Others think you have it all together, but inside you feel like an imposter, wondering how much longer you can keep up this charade.   Dreading the meltdowns, the yelling matches, the constant battles with your child who seems impossible to please.   Holidays like Thanksgiving are supposed to be joyful family times, but for you it's just another day of walking on eggshells, trying to prevent the next explosion.   I see you. I know how hard you're working. And I want you to know, you are your child's hero. Register for our latest training here: megghanthompsoncoaching.com/3mistakes

When you have a highly sensitive child, it can feel like you're constantly putting out fires. The daily meltdowns, the refusal to get dressed for school, the extreme reactions to seemingly small things... It's exhausting. And often, in the chaos, it's easy to overlook one surprising trigger - visual clutter. You see, for sensitive children, excess visual stimuli can feel as overwhelming as a room full of people shouting. Their brains process information deeply, noticing every detail in the environment. So while a pile of unsorted mail on the kitchen counter may barely register for you, for your sensitive child, it can be a loud, constant distraction that frays their nerves. This doesn't mean you need to become a die-hard minimalist overnight. But it does mean that reducing visual clutter is one small change that can make a big impact in lowering your child's stress levels. After listening to this episode, register for our latest masterclass here: https://www.megghanthompsoncoaching.com/3mistakes