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What Temperamentally Sensitive Babies Can Teach Us

Temperament · March 14, 2013

Did you hear this great NPR story about babies sensitivity level and their later resilience? Scientists are learning to understand the difference between babies with varying degrees of nervous system sensitivity. Knowing this can help them understand how some kids are able to be more resilient in the face of challenges, such as poverty, while others are less so. It turns out that babies with sensitive temperaments are more vulnerable to outside influences (particularly parental responsiveness) in both good and bad ways. In the best of situations, with responsive, attentive caregivers, these sensitive children tend to thrive and often have fewer later behavior problems than even their less-sensitive peers. In less-than-ideal settings in which caregivers are not responsive to their needs, these sensitive children often exhibit problematic behavior later in life.

I’ve written about this topic here several times, but I continue to be amazed by this research. It has the potential to be so hopeful. Babies with sensitive temperaments are often fussy and irritable as infants and yet, with the proper care, they can grow to thrive. Although we often think of temperament as an innate, unchangeable characteristic, this research clearly shows that how temperament plays out over a lifetime is largely up to one’s environment, especially parents and caregivers.

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Amy Webb

Writer and mom of two who brings academic child development and parenting information into the lives of ordinary parents who can use it in their daily lives.

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Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    March 16, 2013 at 2:30 pm

    Thank you for such an insightful blog entry that gives a really valuable glimpse into child development. I have a "sensitive" baby and it is nice to know that the effort put into his care can only benefit him and enhance his social outcomes later in life.

    Reply
  2. Zanni, Heart Mama says

    March 17, 2013 at 1:59 pm

    This is so important to inform people about! Thank you for sharing. I will share with my FB community now.
    Zanni x

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    May 27, 2014 at 12:27 am

    This resonates exactly with our experience! So good to see other people sharing the research in a way as to help parents of sensitive babies. THANKYOU!

    Reply

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As a mom of two young boys, I've seen first-hand how research-based child development information, combined with intuition, can guide you through your parenting journey. Although I have a Ph.D.in Human Development and Family Sciences, many of my real parenting discoveries have come through my experience. I believe parenting with confidence comes from knowledge; parenting with grace comes from insight. Join me on this parenting journey of learning and discovery

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