#34 What's worked vs. not for my highly sensitive, highly reactive baby

Episode summary

Susan shares her personal experience parenting a highly sensitive, highly reactive baby and what has truly helped along the way. She explains what sensitivity and reactivity can look like in infants, how those traits showed up early, and why nothing was “wrong,” even during the hardest moments.

This episode is a compassionate reminder that parenting, like dog training, is not about forcing outcomes. It’s about reading cues, responding fairly, and regulating first before expecting calm. If you’ve ever felt exhausted, unsure, or hard on yourself for not having all the answers, this conversation offers reassurance, practical insight, and a deep sense of solidarity.

Key Insights ✨

✨ Sensitivity is not a flaw. When a nervous system is dialed up, the goal is not to shut it down, but to support it with calm, structure, and thoughtful transitions. Just as important, this season is a reminder to slow down and notice what you do have. Gratitude, even in hard moments, helps regulate us so we can better support those who rely on us.

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FOLLOW:

Susan: @packleaderdog