Supporting Sensitive Kids with Nature, Nutrition & Holistic Parenting
- jenniferlaceybaker
- Jun 4
- 6 min read
Quick Summary:
Our family faces autoimmune disease, emotional regulation issues, and sensory challenges.
Autoimmune conditions in children are increasing, influenced by a mix of genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Nature and holistic lifestyle shifts have been key for healing and hope.
This blog shares stories, insights, and nature-based tools to support families like ours.
How Our Family Discovered Autoimmune Disease & Found Natural Healing
Raising a sensitive child can feel overwhelming and isolating—especially when emotional dysregulation, autoimmune symptoms, and sensory overload enter the picture. In our family, we’ve faced all of these. But over time, we’ve found moments of calm and clarity by returning to simple, nature-based living.
Through gentle, authoritative parenting (warmth, consistency, and clear boundaries), nourishing food, and outdoor connection, we’re building a more grounded, holistic way forward—and I want to share what’s helped us with you.
In recent years, autoimmune conditions in children have noticeably increased. Experts point to a complex mix of factors:
Environmental toxins
Nutrient-poor food
Chronic stress
Gut dysbiosis
Lifestyle habits
As an ‘80s baby, I wish I could say I was immune to these threats. But looking back, I showed signs of autoimmunity as a child—just like my daughter.
I remember the fatigue vividly. I’d sleep 10 hours, nap on the school bus, and still feel exhausted. Friends would call in the evening and ask, “Did I wake you?” It became a running joke—but there was something deeper going on.
In my 20s, a doctor prescribed Synthroid for thyroid issues. I cried with relief, hopeful I’d found answers. But while it helped some symptoms, exhaustion remained.
It wasn’t until after my daughter was born that a doctor casually confirmed what I suspected: my thyroid condition was autoimmune. The dismissive “So what? The treatment is the same” attitude lit a fire in me to search for deeper answers.
Key takeaway:
Autoimmune and sensory-related challenges in kids aren’t always clear-cut—and they rarely come with easy answers. But when we slow down, follow our instincts, and explore holistic, nature-based support, we can create meaningful change—for ourselves and our children.
Connecting the Dots: Root Causes and Lifestyle Shifts
What I eventually discovered changed everything: autoimmune diseases don’t have to be progressive. With early detection, it’s possible to remove triggers and support healing—sometimes even reversing autoimmunity before permanent damage.
In my case, damage to my thyroid had been building for years. But why?
The “Three Pillar Theory” of autoimmunity helped me make sense of it. It says three elements must be present for disease to develop:
Genetic predisposition
Leaky gut
Environmental trigger
Thyroid issues run in my family, so genetics were a given. I had chronic gut problems into my 20s. An endoscopy ruled out celiac but confirmed chronic gastritis. I often wonder how long poor nutrient absorption (low B12 and ferritin despite a high-protein diet) had been quietly undermining my health.
Here’s what really helped me:
Removing gluten and dairy dramatically reduced my fatigue and improved my quality of life.
Gluten, dairy, and sugar are highly inflammatory—even without celiac, cutting gluten can be life-changing for autoimmune conditions.
But what about that environmental trigger? Could it be:
Gluten?
A virus?
Low selenium or high iodine?
Herbicide exposure?
I may never know for sure. So I focus on the here and now—listening to my body, learning, and adjusting as I go.
This approach really took shape after a severe flare following the birth of my daughter.
Postpartum flares are common in autoimmune conditions because of shifting hormones.
During this time, I was overwhelmed by chronic fatigue, gut problems, new food sensitivities, infections, and inflammation—but was dismissed repeatedly by doctors.
How could experts miss the bigger picture? Why does conventional medicine isolate body systems instead of seeing the whole?
I felt desperate, isolated, and invisible—but I’m not alone.
Did you know?
It can take an average of 10 years and multiple misdiagnoses before autoimmune diseases are confirmed.
I became a detective of sorts—exploring root-cause lifestyle changes like:
Anti-inflammatory diet
Gentle movement
Nervous system regulation
These brought more relief and stability than medication ever had. Things were improving… until—
Holistic Parenting for Sensitive Kids with Autoimmune & Emotional Challenges
Just as I felt more stable, new challenges emerged with my daughter.
We were living abroad in Thailand when her alopecia started. Doctors initially thought it was ringworm, but my gut said autoimmune. Along with hair loss came rashes, intense food aversions, and tantrums lasting hours.
Later, it was confirmed—not only alopecia but also Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, just like me.
Since then, we’ve been navigating:
Emotional dysregulation
Sensory sensitivities
Environmental and food triggers
Social challenges from self-esteem issues caused by the visible differences that hair loss creates
In all honesty, I don’t have it all figured out.
While my health is stable, we’re currently in a flare with her. She cycles through hair regrowth and loss, common with alopecia. Environmental allergies and food sensitivities strain her immune system, but sugar is the most consistent trigger.
The Link Between Sugar, Autoimmune Flares & Emotional Dysregulation in Kids
Maybe you remember eating whatever you wanted as a kid—chocolate bars, pop, Dunkaroos… My kids can’t eat like that, and I grieve for them a little.
But nutrition is foundational.
Even small amounts of sugar can trigger physical symptoms and behavioural challenges.
Research shows that sugar plays a key role in driving:
Low-grade chronic inflammation
Autoimmune activity
Neuroinflammation
This is tough, especially in a culture full of sugar-laden celebrations—Halloween, birthdays, Christmas, and more. Treat days stretch into weeks off track.
We recommit often to a clean-eating lifestyle which always brings improvement.
Supporting Gut Health & Reducing Inflammation in Children with Chronic Conditions
Nutrition is just one part.
Gut health is equally important—because a healthy gut supports a healthy brain.
For kids with allergies and autoimmune issues, leaky gut and chronic inflammation contribute to:
Brain fog
Irritability
Fatigue
We’ve found probiotics, targeted supplements, and careful allergen elimination to be meaningful supports, along with nature’s calming presence to help with the chaos that big feelings can create.
In future posts, I’ll share gentle, practical steps we took to shift toward nourishing foods—without creating food fear—while parenting a once tremendously picky eater.
Key reminder:
Nature and nutrition together form the backbone of our healing and parenting approach.
Why Nature Works: Supporting Sensitive Kids Through Outdoor Connection
I don’t know if I chose nature, or if nature chose me. Some of my favourite childhood memories are with my dad outdoors—even in the bitter cold, watching the world around me was grounding.
As a mom to a highly sensitive child, the outdoors has become essential—for both of us.
Getting her out the door can be a battle of wills, but I persist because I see the difference it makes:
Fewer meltdowns after nature walks
Better sleep with sun exposure
Easier connection and communication
It’s not just trees and trails. Nature is the backdrop where my daughter and I connect gently—away from noise, screens, and expectations.
"The Wild Within” is a reminder that our children’s inner wildness isn’t something to tame, but to honour and support.
How Nature Supports Emotional Regulation in Sensitive and Neurodivergent Children
I’m not sure if neurodivergence is part of our story, but we definitely have quirks.
With or without a label, I want my children to have tools that help them thrive.
Implementing a holistic parenting approach for our sensitive kid, and relying on time in nature are the best tools I’ve found:
Balancing on logs and noticing wind sounds provide sensory-rich, full-body input.
These calm overwhelmed nervous systems, sharpen focus, and ground emotions.
Nature lowers cortisol, invites movement, and offers calm with complexity.
For kids with sensory sensitivities, emotional intensity, or a need for movement and calm, nature is a steady, accessible support.
Nature-Based Sensory Activities for Kids with Sensory Processing Needs
Sensory input management is key.
Some environments are just too loud or bright for sensitive kids. Nature offers a sanctuary.
Its gentle rhythms and low stimulation make it ideal for self-directed exploration. Simple, sensory-safe activities include:
Nature walks
Journaling
Scavenger hunts
These help slow busy minds, build focus, and bring calm.
If you want a gentle start, check out some free guided journal pages from my A Walk in Nature Journal: Recordings of a Wild Child.
Building Confidence Through Outdoor Learning for Kids with Complex Needs
Letting kids lead hikes, ask questions, and make decisions outdoors does more than calm the nervous system. It builds:
Resilience
Self-trust
Executive function
Self-esteem
Autonomy
Unstructured nature time is a powerful teacher, especially for children with complex needs.
Preventing Parent Burnout: Holistic Self-Care for Parents of Complex Kids
Caring for a child with behavioural or emotional challenges can be exhausting.
It’s easy to put your own needs last — but replenishing your energy is essential.
One thing that’s helped me most during the hard weeks is giving myself permission to slow down and follow my kids’ lead. This post shares what that looks like in real life — no pressure, no perfect Pinterest moments. Just presence.
In future posts, I’ll share nature-inspired self-care tips that have helped me stay grounded, like:
Solo walks
Meditation in nature
Ways to reframe guilt
Because to support our kids well, we have to take care of ourselves too.
🌿 If any part of this resonates, stay tuned. I’ll be diving deeper with personal stories, practical tools, and nature-based strategies in upcoming posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What helps with autoimmune flares in kids? Diet, stress reduction, sleep, and avoiding known triggers are essential. We’ve seen the most success with whole-foods and less screen time.
Is nature helpful for emotional regulation? Absolutely. Nature provides calming sensory input, movement, and space — all proven supports for emotional regulation.
Want gentle support on your parenting journey? Subscribe to The Wild Within newsletter for new posts and encouragement straight to your inbox.
Comments