Children’s books that celebrate sensitivity
While working on a recent post about creativity, I realized how difficult it can be to find children’s books that explore sensitivity as a positive trait. Too often, sensitivity shows up in books as something to overcome, manage or fix.
Sensitivity certainly comes with its challenges but I think of it more as a strength or a refinement. As Susan Cain wrote in Quiet, sensitives “tend to notice subtleties that others miss—another person's shift in mood, say, or a lightbulb burning a touch too brightly.”
Their environment is important. There’s the Swedish term of orkidebarn which means “orchid child” and contrasts with maskrosbarn or “dandelion child.” A dandelion child can survive and even thrive in almost environment. An orchid child, however, is highly sensitive to their environment. As Cain says, “they wilt easily, but under the right conditions can grow strong and magnificent.”
According to Dr. John Gottman, psychologist and author of Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child, we should be turning toward sensitivity, rather than away from it. Responding with dismissal or disapproval makes our children feel unworthy and exacerbates their sensitivity.
In fact sensitive kids can grow up to be better leaders with better social skills, and the ability to communicate and learn at a deeper level. Sensitivity can also lead to more fulfilling relationships and higher life satisfaction (more here) and is a strong component of many character strengths, such as Creativity, Perspective, Kindness, and Social Intelligence.
It is a delight when I find children’s books that explore sensitivity as a strength or a tool in solving a problem. Here is a collection of a few of the picture books my kids and I have liked. These stories and quiet characters validate sensitivity and embrace it as a gateway to deeper knowledge, self-awareness and growth.
Explore more books featuring sensitivity and seeing the world differently in these posts:
10 things creative types do differently—and recommended children’s books
Children’s books that inspire awe and wonder
Understanding and advocating for our sensitive children can be hard. Here are a few books that explore the power of sensitivity and better explain it to the skeptics.
Resources
Helping Your Child's Spirited Sensitivity Become a Strength
Why Sensitivity is a Strength in Boys
On the Trail of the Orchid Child
Your Kid Is Probably Not an 'Orchid' or a 'Dandelion' - But Could Be Both
The Worst Thing to Say to a Sensitive Child
Stop Working So Hard to Calm Your Kids
Understanding and Supporting Highly Sensitive Children
Understanding and Managing Emotions
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