But there’s another concern: over-sensitivity can also cause an Empathy Gap. Instead of using his urges and step in to help a friend in need, the child can dial-down empathetic urges, and then oh the guilt!

Sure you can’t change your child’s natural temperament into a little thick-skinned toughie. And besides you shouldn’t: your son or daughter’s sensitive nature is an asset, so you’ll want to help them see it positively. Besides, your role isn’t to change your child’s natural personality, but to help him cope more successfully and learn to control how he responds. Doing so can make a huge difference in boosting your tender-hearted child’s friendship aptitude and helping him survive in a not-so-sensitive-world. Here are seven ways to keep empathy open and raise what I call an “Unselfie”: empathetic kids who think of others