We’ve all been there: you’re at the store with your highly sensitive child, and a friendly stranger says “hello” or asks a simple question. But instead of a polite response, your child might blurt out “no!” or “I don’t want to smile!” Inspired by a listener’s question, let’s dive into why these encounters can feel overwhelming for sensitive kids and why they react this way. We’ll talk about what’s going on beneath those big reactions, how overstimulation affects them, and why small interactions can feel like too much, too fast. It’s often less about rudeness and more about your child’s need for safety in busy settings. Here’s the thing: it’s easy to feel caught off guard in these tricky moments, making it tough to offer your child the comfort they need. But with a few simple strategies, you’ll be ready to handle these situations with ease. Next time a stranger stops to chat, you’ll know how to turn the encounter into a confidence-building moment—for both you and your child. FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz NEW Guide: Mastering Meltdowns: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns  FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset