28: Caring For Your Needs as a Highly Sensitive Parent

Sensitive Stories

Are you overwhelmed and exhausted trying to be the perfect parent? In this episode, I talk with Amy Lajiness, LCSW, PMH-C about highly sensitive parenthood and:
• What to do when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and touched out
• How pregnancy and parenting multiple children can increase overstimulation, leading to panic attacks, rage, or somatic symptoms
• Creating a sensory toolkit and finding micro pockets of time to take the edge off the anxiety and reconnect with yourself as a human
• Ways to get support when you’re the sole parent or don’t have others to help
• The importance of disconnecting from the parenting advice noise to reconnect with your own values as a parent
• Modeling and reinforcing your needs to kids who are not developmentally able to understand boundaries or self-care
• Remembering that you don’t have to be perfect to be good enough as a parent
Amy is a Licensed Therapist and Coach who has spent countless hours supporting Highly Sensitive (HSP) parents in reclaiming their peace and confidence. Amy is a Highly Sensitive Person herself as well as a mother of two highly energetic young children. Amy holds certifications in Perinatal Mental Health and HSP, and is passionate about providing resources for HSP parents, teaching them how to harness their strengths and manage challenges with grace and confidence, in order to thrive in parenthood.
Keep in touch with Amy:
• Website: https://www.highlysensitiveparenthood.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlysensitiveparenthood
Resources Mentioned:
• Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help
• Highly Sensitive Parenthood + Supporting Your Highly Sensitive Child Courses: https://www.highlysensitiveparenthood.com/courses - use the coupon code SENSITIVESTORIES at checkout for 25% off!
• Coaching with Amy: https://highlysensitiveparenthood.mykajabi.com/coaching - use the coupon code SENSITIVESTORIES at checkout for 25% off!
Thank you to Cozy Earth for sponsoring this episode.
Cozy Earth offers super soft and sustainably sourced bedding and loungewear. Use discount code SENSITIVE at checkout for up to 40% off. https://cozyearth.com

Thanks for listening! You can read the full show notes and sign up for my email list to get new episode announcements and other resources at:
https://www.sensitivestories.com
You can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs!
This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.
Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.

Capitole

1. Highly Sensitive Parenting and Overstimulation (00:00:00)

2. Balancing Self-Care and Parenthood (00:14:05)

3. Parenting Self-Care and Support Ideas (00:20:29)

4. Creating Alone-Time Strategies for Parents (00:25:39)

5. Parenting, Over-Functioning, and Self-Care (00:36:00)