When my oldest child was just 18 months old, I enrolled her in a Gymboree Play & Music class, excited by the promise of fun and socialization. They claimed it would be engaging, helping kids connect and develop early skills, while I could kick back and enjoy the experience.
As we entered the vibrant, colorful room filled with lively music, I noticed my daughter’s eyes widen with apprehension. Children were gleefully crawling towards the cheerful instructor, a lively blonde woman singing animatedly. Meanwhile, my little girl clung to me, her initial curiosity giving way to tears that quickly escalated into full-blown screaming. I could feel the stares of other parents questioning what was wrong with her. Even the bubbly instructor appeared taken aback.
I attempted to calm her down, seeking refuge in quieter corners, but every inch of that space was brimming with overwhelming stimuli. While the class was a delight for most children, for my daughter, it was an unbearable onslaught of color, sound, and movement. I often wondered why we felt the need to create such a stimulating environment when babies already experience so much newness. I had simply wanted to be social, responding to a friend’s invitation, and thought my highly sensitive child would enjoy it. How wrong I was.