Raised Resilient: Help Your Highly Sensitive Child

By Dr. Hilary Mandzik - PsychologistSociety & Culture Relationships Kids & Family

Raised Resilient: Help Your Highly Sensitive Child episodes

January 24, 2025 Parenting Reflections: Why I Chose an Advanced Gymnastics Class for My Sensitive 3.5-Year-Old – Even Though It’s Not What Experts (Including Myself!) ...
Why would I enroll my 3.5-year-old daughter in an advanced gymnastics class when everything I believe—and most experts agree—says that activities at this age should focus on fun and exploration? Today I’m sharing the story behind this decision and why I chose to go against the grain.
This wasn’t an easy choice, and it certainly wasn’t about pushing my child to perform or excel. Instead, it was about following her lead, honoring her natural abilities, and recognizing when she was truly ready for a new challenge. Parenting sensitive kids often means rethinking the “rules” and trusting your gut, even when it feels unconventional.
And here’s the thing: While I still believe in fun, explorative play for young children, there are exceptions where a more structured path can be the right choice. It’s all about balancing their enthusiasm with the right support to help them thrive, even when it’s outside the usual mold!
FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough
Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz
FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things
Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient
FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset
Holiday Meltdown Guide: https://www.raisedresilient.com/holidaymeltdowns
25 min
January 22, 2025 Extracurricular Activities and Sensitive Kids: When to Push, When to Pause, and Why It’s Worth It
Extracurricular activities can feel like a battle when your highly sensitive child resists joining. Should you push them to participate, or let them sit this one out? In this episode, we’re diving into why extracurriculars are so valuable for sensitive kids, even when it feels easier to back off.
Big feelings like nerves, fear of failure, or overwhelm often come with trying something new—no wonder highly sensitive kids might resist! But these activities offer so much more: structure, confidence, and meaningful connection that can help them thrive.
Here’s the thing: those moments of discomfort can lead to incredible growth when handled with care. If you’re wondering how to navigate the push and pull of extracurriculars, tune in for practical tips and heartfelt encouragement to help your child embrace the benefits of sticking with it.
FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough
Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz
FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things
Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient
FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset
Holiday Meltdown Guide: https://www.raisedresilient.com/holidaymeltdowns
29 min
January 17, 2025 Parenting Reflections: Surviving a 5-Week Break with My Highly Sensitive Kids: Tips, Tricks, and Moments That Got Us Through
Winter break with highly sensitive kids can feel endless, especially when snow days extend time at home or school breaks stretch on. With my kids in year-round school, we’ve been navigating a five-week break, and I wanted to share how we’re making it through. From cozy moments to screen time challenges, it’s been all about staying grounded and finding balance.
I’ll share the strategies that have been keeping me (and my kids!) sane, from embracing a flexible routine to finding moments of connection that don’t involve elaborate activities. Plus, I’ll dive into how I handle screen time without the guilt, and what I’ve learned about making the most of those unexpected extra days off.
If you’re looking for practical tips and a dose of solidarity during this long winter break, this episode is for you. Let’s survive these extra days together while still finding joy in the season!
FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough
Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz
FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things
Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient
FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset
Holiday Meltdown Guide: https://www.raisedresilient.com/holidaymeltdowns
21 min
January 15, 2025 How to Handle Power Struggles with Your Sensitive Child (Without Getting Pulled Into the Tug-of-War!)
Power struggles with highly sensitive kids can be draining—but what if there’s a different way to handle them? In this episode, we’ll unpack why power struggles happen and what’s really going on beneath the surface. Hint: it’s less about “winning” or “losing” and more about understanding the underlying need for control.
These struggles often arise when sensitive kids feel the need to assert control, whether to feel secure or to avoid difficult emotions. While it’s natural for them to draw us into these moments, trying to overpower them isn’t the solution.
Here’s the thing: power struggles can be a chance to connect and guide your child instead of engaging in a standoff. Tune in to discover practical, effective strategies to step away from the tug-of-war, encourage cooperation, and make your child feel truly understood.
FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough
Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz
FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things
Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient
FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset
Holiday Meltdown Guide: https://www.raisedresilient.com/holidaymeltdowns
21 min
January 10, 2025 Parenting Reflections: My Highly Sensitive Son Refused Soccer on Friday—Here’s How I Took a Step Back (& What I Learned About Connection)
Preparing for new activities with highly sensitive kids can be a rollercoaster of emotions—for everyone involved. This week, I’m sharing a personal story about getting my older boys ready for a soccer clinic they were excited to try. Despite their enthusiasm leading up to it, when the moment arrived, my oldest son completely refused to go.
In that frustrating and emotional moment, I had to pause, take a step back, and really consider what was happening beneath the surface. Was it anxiety? Overwhelm? Or something else entirely? I’ll walk you through how I handled it (and what I learned), offering insights for navigating similar situations with your own sensitive kids.
Sometimes, what looks like resistance is really just a sign that our kids need extra support. Join me for this honest reflection as we talk about staying calm, tuning into our kids’ emotions, and finding ways to move forward—without losing connection.
FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough
Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz
FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things
Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient
FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset
Holiday Meltdown Guide: https://www.raisedresilient.com/holidaymeltdowns
21 min
January 08, 2025 Ditch “New Year, New You” Resolutions: 3 Simple Practices to Transform Your Parenting (& Life) Starting Today
New Year’s resolutions can feel like a recipe for burnout—big goals, grand gestures, and that all-or-nothing mindset that leaves us feeling defeated if we slip up. But what if we flipped the script and embraced a more sustainable, joyful way to welcome the new year?
In this episode, we’re rethinking resolutions and trading the pressure for practices that truly nourish us. From small shifts that spark gratitude to self-care habits that actually stick, I’ll share how to start the year feeling abundant and energized rather than overwhelmed.
Let’s leave behind the impossible expectations and focus on what really matters: creating space for joy, showing ourselves grace, and building a life we love—one intentional moment at a time.
FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough
Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz
FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things
Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient
FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset
Holiday Meltdown Guide: https://www.raisedresilient.com/holidaymeltdowns
32 min
December 18, 2024 When Strangers, Family, or Friends Give Unsolicited Advice About How You’re Parenting Your Highly Sensitive Child: The #1 Mindset Shift You Need & How...
It’s one thing to navigate the emotions of raising a highly sensitive child—but when someone else tries to parent your child or comments on how you’re handling things? That can feel downright triggering. Whether it’s a well-meaning family member, a friend, or even a stranger, these unsolicited opinions can leave you feeling judged, frustrated, or unsure of how to respond.
In this episode, I’m sharing the #1 mindset shift that can help you stay grounded when others question your parenting choices. We’ll talk about why these moments can feel so hard and how to handle them in a way that protects your child’s sensitivity while staying true to your parenting values.
From holiday gatherings to public outings, you’ll leave with practical tips for responding calmly and confidently to unsolicited advice. Let’s shift the focus back to what matters most—your connection with your child—and learn how to navigate these situations with grace and clarity.
FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough
Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz
NEW HOLIDAY Meltdown Guide: https://www.raisedresilient.com/holidaymeltdowns
FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things
Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient
FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset
29 min
December 13, 2024 Parenting Reflections: The Holidays Aren’t Going as Planned—A Behind-The-Scenes Look at How I’m Handling It (& Why It’s Okay to Struggle When Everythi...
The holidays are filled with magic, but they can also be incredibly challenging—especially when life doesn’t go as planned, and you’re parenting highly sensitive kids. Today, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what this season has looked like for my family.
From battling sickness to missing a beloved annual show and falling behind on decorating, it feels like everything is taking longer than I’d hoped. But I realized the truth is, the holidays don’t always go the way we envision, and that’s okay.
While it might seem like everything is picture-perfect for other families, the reality is often much messier. I’ll share how I’ve been navigating the chaos, finding little moments of calm, and holding onto joy amidst the overwhelm. Let’s explore how to show ourselves grace and embrace peace—even in the middle of the mess.
FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough
Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz
NEW HOLIDAY Meltdown Guide: https://www.raisedresilient.com/holidaymeltdowns
FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things
Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient
FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset
28 min
December 11, 2024 3 Tips for Smoother Holiday Gatherings with Your Highly Sensitive Child (Even When Meltdowns Happen)
Holiday gatherings can be full of joy, but for highly sensitive kids, they can also bring a whirlwind of emotions—whether it’s anxiety about social situations or sheer excitement that leads to overstimulation. If your child has ever melted down on the way to a holiday outing (or once you’ve arrived), you’re not alone—and there are ways to navigate these moments with more ease.
Today, we’re exploring how to handle holiday meltdowns, from preparing your child before the event to calming strategies if things go sideways. You’ll get practical, parent-friendly tips to help your child feel more at ease, create smoother experiences, and stay grounded—even if things don’t go perfectly.
Here’s the thing: whether your child is feeling overwhelmed or overjoyed, those big feelings can quickly turn into a meltdown. But with a few shifts in your approach, you can help your child regulate, support them through tough moments, and enjoy holiday outings together.
FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough
Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz
NEW HOLIDAY Meltdown Guide: https://www.raisedresilient.com/holidaymeltdowns
FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things
Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient
FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset
22 min
December 06, 2024 Parenting Reflections: Tanya’s Transformation: How a Single Mom of 3 Ended the Meltdowns & Healed Her Relationship with Her Highly Sensitive 10-Year-O...
Ever wonder how life-changing a shift in parenting can be? In this special episode, I sit down with one of my amazing clients and her highly sensitive daughter to share their inspirational story. This single mom of three was stuck in the meltdown cycle with her daughter, feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. But through the Chaos to Connection program, everything changed.
Hear firsthand how this mom regained calm in her household, rebuilt trust, and created a positive, thriving relationship with her daughter. Even more powerful? You’ll hear her daughter’s perspective—the challenges she faced, what she noticed changed, and how their bond has grown stronger than ever.
This heartfelt conversation is a testament to the impact of embracing connection over chaos and shows that no matter how hard things feel, there’s always a path to peace. And don’t forget – an extra month of live support is ALL yours when you book your breakthrough session in December, and decide to move forward with the program! Listen in for all the details!
FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough
Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz
NEW HOLIDAY Meltdown Guide: https://www.raisedresilient.com/holidaymeltdowns
FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things
Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient
FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset
27 min