Episode 209: Supporting Highly Sensitive Kids to Thrive with Psychologist Jacqui Ward

Raising a highly sensitive child can be both beautiful and challenging. These children experience the world deeply, feeling emotions intensely and reacting strongly to sensory input. While their sensitivity is a strength, it can also lead to overwhelm—for both the child and the parent.

This week on the Natural Super Kids podcast, psychologist and mum of three Jacqui Ward joins us to shed light on what it truly means to understand, support, and nurture a highly sensitive child. Whether your child is deeply empathetic, struggles with transitions, or gets easily overstimulated, this conversation will help you navigate parenting with more confidence and ease.

In this episode, we cover:

• The biological basis of high sensitivity—why it’s a trait, not a disorder, and how it impacts children’s emotions and behaviours.
• Recognising common traits of highly sensitive kids, including deep emotional processing, sensory sensitivities, and perfectionism.
• Practical strategies to reduce sensory input, ease transitions, and help children regulate their emotions.
• Why self-care and co-regulation are essential for parents—and how small, intentional moments of calm can transform daily challenges.

If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child thrive in a world that often feels overwhelming, this episode is for you. You’re not alone in this journey, and with the right tools and understanding, you can create an environment where both you and your child feel more supported.

Connect with Jacqui Ward & Explore More Resources

📸 Instagram: @jacquie_ward_
🌍 Website: jacquieward.com.au – Telehealth services, workshops, and resources for parents.
🎓 Course: Highly Sensitive Child Thrive Course – An online, short course for parents and caregivers of highly sensitive children.

Additional Resources Mentioned

🌱 Podcast Episode: Episode 150: The Orchid and the Dandelion – The Science of Sensitive Kids
📖 Children’s Book: Billy’s Brilliant Butterflies – A Children’s Book for Highly Sensitive Kids

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.