I believe that I was a psychic child. Looking back, I can remember several events, deja vu, stories that I wrote for school classes that later seemed to predict events in my own life. I would mention an old TV episode, and it would be rerun later that week (that still happens). Yet I did not make the connection between my history as a "sensitive child" and my psychic experiences until many years later.

Some Signs of the Psychic Child:

• hyperactivity or withdrawal
• vivid and persistent imaginary playmates or friends
• precognitive dreams
• a connection between the child's behavior and a parent's emotions.
• seeing auras or colors around people
• recalling past lives
• emotional sensitivity

Psychic children are very sensitive. They frequently experience the emotions of others, and mistake them for their own. The emotions that playmates may have when teasing or playing can impact very strongly on a young child who cannot distinguish between her feelings and those of others.

Many times I felt that other children at school hated me, when it was their own self-loathing I was picking up on. "Sensitive" children need to have their intuitions and feelings validated, especially if there is bullying, teasing or hurtful behavior directed at them. In such a case I recommend you take a child aside and say: "Gee, honey, I know that you're feeling hurt right now. I think I'd feel that way too, if that happened to me. Still, you may have misunderstood something. When you feel better, we can talk about it again." Once the child is calmer, and they know you understand, you can discuss ways to cope with any inappropriate behaviour.

Too often sensitive children are told "Don't feel that way". A sensitive child interprets this as a judgment on those feelings, not as concern for them. Rather than hearing that you wish them to be happy, they hear that your emotional comfort is more important than theirs ("Feel good so I won't have to feel bad."). That is a terrific burden for a young child to carry. Sensitive children soon learn to bury their feelings, rather than express them, but children can no more turn off feelings than adults can. Those emotions can come out later as "acting out" or even later in life as emotional scars, which can be as intense and dramatic as those in physically abused children.

If you suspect that you have a psychic child on your hands, keep an open mind, but don't get too excited. A psychic gift is no guarantee of a spiritual genius. Too much interest can be more damaging than indifference. The high expectations of a parent can be impossible for a child to live up to, and there is the danger of pride or arrogance. Don't make them "perform" psychic tricks for others. If your child expresses an interest, as well as the talent, you can encourage them to keep a journal. For a young child, you may do this yourself, writing down the "strange things" the child says, the stories about imaginary friends, and the feelings that came true. Write down as much information as you can, including the time and date if possible.

Once your child realizes that you are open minded about the subject, they may have a lot of questions. Honesty is the best policy. I would approach the subject with the same tact I would when approaching the subject of sex. Wait for the child to ask you questions. Answer honestly. If you don't know an answer, say so, and follow up by finding information. The library has many good books on a wide variety of psychic subjects. Call your favorite psychic and ask questions. Simple E.S.P. "games" can be developed, like "Zener" cards. Take 25 blank cards, and draw each of the following symbols. One partner holds the cards and the other guesses the symbol. You can invent variations on the theme. Anything strongly over (or under) 50% is considered statistically significant.

"Living With Your Psychic Gifts"
by Brandi Jasmine