Guest Blog: Is my child an empath? by Dr Sonya K Broadnax
I’d love to introduce you to Dr Sonya Broadnax for this month’s blog! She describes her Self as a life-long student and disciplined practitioner of spiritual wisdom (a woman after my own heart!) She has a deep reverence for the universal importance of connection with physical and non-physical beings, and most importantly connection with our higher selves and Source. Dr. Sonya believes there is nothing we can’t do if we are plugged into the wisdom that lies within us and that binds us with All that is.
In her blog below, get a glimpse into her work with children who are identified as “at risk”, why it’s important to know what to look for, and how YOU can help intuitive and empathic children in your life….your kids, your grandkids, the kids in your classroom, etc. Together, we’ll be combining all of her insightful tips with the magic of the Egyptian Mysteries and stories of Isis in a special LIVE! online workshop October 22 to help you see with more clarity what may be happening with the children in your world. We’ll offer simple yet powerful ways to better support and guide them through unsettled times….and we could all use that right now, especially our children!
GUEST BLOG: DR SONYA K BROADNAX
Is my child an empath?
Over the past 7 years, I have had the pleasure of helping “at risk youth” transform their behaviors. The children are deemed “at risk” because of the trauma they have endured. Child trauma occurs more than you think. More than two thirds of children reported at least 1 traumatic event by age 16. Abuse, neglect, and other traumatic events can take a horrible toll on their learning, behaviors, and health. The greater the number of aversive experiences the greater their risk for suicide, imprisonment, mental illnesses, and chronic diseases such as heart disease.
These Children Are Not “Bad”!
Not every child gets the help they need, but many do as the result of kind hearted adults (e.g., teachers, social workers, pediatricians) who call and express their concerns to the Department of Child Services or other resources. Unfortunately, by the time I get involved through the courts, many have been in trouble with the law, abused drugs, or fallen behind in school due to fighting. These children often get labeled as “bad” or “out of control” by the community. Are these children really “bad,” or are they misunderstood? I choose to believe they are misunderstood. The children I work with, especially the teenagers, usually present themselves as tough and hardcore. They don’t trust adults, and surely aren’t trying to listen to me. I remember a teenager told me one time, “I don’t give a f-ck about you or your degrees.” Pretty shocking, but he meant it with all his heart!
As I grew spiritually with my energy work, my desire for a deeper understanding and connection with my young clients grew. In the spring, I was fortunate to work with a client who was quite insightful despite all of her behaviors in school and at home. I was shocked to hear the knowledge she had gained from reading about energy. She expressed always feeling “different” and as being the black sheep of the family. During one of our in-depth conversations, she explained that she was sensitive and easily annoyed by other people’s energy. The classroom setting was especially annoying and the biggest source of her outbursts. Because of her, it hit me, she was not “bad” she was empathic…She was more than her aversive experiences…she was gifted with the ability to feel other people’s energy. When I asked her specific questions regarding being an empath, she quickly resonated with the questions and said, “That’s me!” As a result of our connection, I was able to provide her with tools to protect her energy without lashing out in the presence of others. She prospered and her case was successfully closed.
Is My Child an Empath?
What a revelation my client provided me! I went on to ask other children in the system and outside of the system similar questions regarding being an empath and many endorsed being very sensitive to the energy of those around them. Regardless if the children of today come from trauma or not, it is important we recognize if our child is an empath and provide them with the necessary supports to be well adjusted adults.
Below are 3 quick signs your child may be an empath:
1. They are extremely tuned into other people’s feelings, drama, energy, and pain.
2. They often feel different, misunderstood, or alone.
3. They feel extremely uncomfortable with people they perceive as disingenuous or dishonest.
Here is what you can do today if you suspect your child is an empath:
1. Listen without judgment. It is important they feel heard when discussing their feelings.
2. Create a safe environment by being honest and open with them. They will know if you are lying.
3. Provide them with reassurance for what they are experiencing and lots of love, hugs, and compassion.
The gift of being an empath is rarely discussed, prepared for, understood, or accepted unless you also have the gift and are accepting of yourself. Without the proper tools to regulate their emotions and energy, empathic children can feel overwhelmed and out of control. Being empathic to our children’s needs is a must if we are going to help them feel empowered.
Want more insight and a little Egyptian magic to help you support the intuitive children/teenagers in your life? Join us for a LIVE! online workshop October 22, The Goddess Isis: A Mother’s Guide to Raising Empowered Intuitive Children. Together we can teach them how to not only appreciate and accept, but also to grow their gifts..
Check out Dr Sonya’s work and Warrior Women Program HERE