How to help a very very sensitive 6 year old

[ece602]

I am wondering how to help my DSS 6. He gets into moods where he is extremely emotional. Sometimes he is completely comfortable and responds to confrontation well, but other times a simple "no, you cannot eat that lolly pop before dinner" will send him over the edge. He crawls into bed and cries/pouts for hours. Even once the incident is over hours and hours later, he will cry again if anyone mentions that he could not have a lolly pop. I have tried to talk to him, but he just goes silent or returns to crying so loudly that I cannot understand a word he says.

He has always been sensitve, but recently he has become extremely withdrawn. It is very hard because there is NO way to predict what kind of mood he will be in. Any help you wise mamas can give me about how to help him/us is extremely appriciated. BTW, we have DSC 50% of the time.

Thanks!!
EC

[One_Girl]

Is there something going on at your home or at the other home he is in? On top of the normal triggers like hunger and the need for sleep, my dd is more prone to extreme emotions when I am experiencing stress, to controlling, or not with her enough, she also tends to be more emotional if she needs a day just at home or if her routine has been thrown off to much. If you think something is going on in his other home and you can't get it out of him, then I think you should consider trying a counselor when he is at your home. It may be that summer has him down and he wants to spend more time with friends or out doing activities to. My dd is very social and this summer I have noticed my dd getting too bored and acting out more on days when she isn't able to see a lot of people and play with a friend now.

[Zenful]

As someone who was a very sensitive child (and still am quite sensitive) I can give you my perspective on this situation: whenever someone would say no to me (particularly those who I desperately wanted approval from) it felt like getting punched in the stomach. If it was something I really, really wanted, then it's like my whole world would crumble.

You say that he does this sometimes, but not all the time. I know, for me, if my routine was greatly disturbed this would add to my emotional sensitivity, particularly if I have no idea what to expect next from those around me. I suggest making sure his routine is as stable as possible and identifying/letting go of any common triggers for sensitive kids: things like simple sugars (soda, chocolate, candy), other junk foods, too much TV and/or video game playing, too much time inside/not enough exercise and outdoor fun, too many orders and not enough of what he wants to do...stuff like that. Making sure he gets enough sleep is also very important.