This series was designed to help kids build strong self-worth and emotional literacy, word by word.

Today’s phrase may seem small, but it carries serious weight:

“You’re too sensitive.”

Often, kids hear this when they’re expressing sadness, disappointment, or hurt. What they learn? That their feelings are too much. That crying or caring deeply is a problem.

But sensitivity isn’t a problem, it’s a strength. Now more than ever, it's important to emphasize this. 

Let’s dive in 👇 

Why This Matters, Backed by Research and Grounded in Real Life:

Not long ago, I sat with a little one who had just been scolded for “being too sensitive” after she teared up during a group activity. When I knelt beside her and said, “It’s okay to feel things,” she blinked at me and whispered, “Grownups don’t like it when I cry.” Read that again. Children often take what is both spoken and unspoken and uses our cues to create meaning that is relative to them.

Unfortunately, we’re unintentionally teaching kids that having big feelings makes them wrong or “too much.” But the truth is this:

Emotional validation isn’t just kind, it’s powerful. Kids have that in the beginning and are often taught to disconnect from how they feel.

Also, emotional invalidation can harm development.

Psychologists like Dr. Jonice Webb have documented how children who grow up hearing phrases like “You’re too sensitive” often internalize shame and emotional self-doubt, effects that can last into adulthood. Dr. Webb has also found that calling a child "too sensitive" is also emotional invalidation that is also a form of Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN). Isn't that deep? Read more here. 

When we replace “You’re too sensitive” with:

“It’s okay to feel that way”
“I see this really mattered to you”
“You’re not too much, you’re just in touch” (This is my favorite because it rhymes and is a great way to help my littles to stay grounded. "I'm not too much, I'm just in touch." Of course, it's important to explain it fully, "Your tears aren't too much, you're just in touch with your emotions and learning how to explain them with your words. You're doing a great job!)

When you do this, you're doing more than modeling emotional safety, you're also planting the seeds for self-trust and strengthening Emotional Intelligence (EQ), which is a powerful skill. 

Children with higher EQ (emotional intelligence) tend to perform better in school, build healthier relationships, and show greater resilience during stress. Need more data? No worries, I'm all about the data, too! Read this.  

How to Talk About It (By Age)

Ages 3–5

“It’s okay to cry. I’m right here.”

Ages 6–8

“Your feelings are real. You don’t have to hide.”

Ages 9+

“Feeling deeply doesn’t make you weak. It means you notice. And that’s powerful.”

✔️ Your child says “never mind” after trying to share
✔️ They apologize for crying or feeling upset
✔️ They worry they’re “too much” or “too dramatic”

✔️ They hide emotions to avoid being judged 

❤️ Affirmation of the Day:
“I feel deeply. I care. And that makes me strong.”

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With care,
Gahmya
Evolved Kid | Big hearts. Big thoughts. Bright futures.