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
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School Leader Reveals How She Turned Her HSP Struggles Into Career Success
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
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Powerful Parents Series, Episode 5: Amy K.'s Story
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
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Powerful Parents Series, Episode 4: Jenna K.'s Story
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/
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252. Manage the Meltdowns for Sensitive Kids: Special Announcement!
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!
About Parent Your Highly Sensitive Child Like A Ninja
You are a parent of a Highly Sensitive Child and are ready to gain skills that will help you feel capable and confident disciplining your child or teen while helping them feel understood in a world that says they are "too much". Each week, Megghan Thompson, an experienced mental health therapist and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S), dives into the topic of parenting highly sensitive children and teens. If you're ready to stop drowning in your child's explosive and out of control emotions and eliminate daily meltdowns, this show is for you.
Listen to Parent Your Highly Sensitive Child Like A Ninja, Conversations with Parents and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
Ireland