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Parents want their children to trust them. They want to be the first person to which their child turns with big things, hard stuff and exciting things. They want their children Feel safe enough to ask questions and share emotions.
But none of this happens automatically, and trust just said: “You can talk to me.”
Instead, you go first. Be open and honest. Show them how to navigate uncomfortable emotions and difficult situations. Model it.
It seems simple, but parents do not always know how to put it into practice. Here are six things you can do every day to build confidence with your child:
1. Normalize to talk about feelings
As A specialist and therapist of life for certified childrenI support families through some of the most difficult conversations imaginable – including illness, hospitalization, trauma and loss. I learned that these moments are easier when children are exposed to open communication every day, not only when life becomes difficult.
When children see adults name and share their own feelings, They learn that it’s normal to do the same. This also gives them silent and unwritten permission to open up.
It may look like: “I feel a little worried that we are going to be late for school and work. Let’s work together.”
This is modeling. When we Name of emotions aloud – Good and discomfort – We teach our children that feelings are not something to hide.
2. Do not avoid difficult things
When children watch their adults avoid certain subjects, they quickly learn what is “out of limits” and could still care even more.
It might look like a bug is dead or dodge a question about someone who uses a wheelchair. But these are missed opportunities. When we avoid discomfort or the unknown, we teach children that these conversations do not belong to our house.
Instead, aim to create a space where all questions are welcome, curiosity meets with calm and honesty is part of daily life.
Try to use These sentences To sail in difficult discussions with your child.
3. Be honest about your own challenges
For many parents, emotional opening does not come naturally. Perhaps you have not grown up in a house where people have shown or shared their feelings freely. It’s good.
You can always give your child something different. You can even start by sharing what is difficult to open: “I have not grown up talking about my feelings, but I want to do it with you – because I know it’s important and useful.”
This level of honesty establishes a connection. This shows your child that emotional opening is not a question of perfect – it is a question of being present and arranged.
4. Model, do not question
We all asked: “How was your day?” And obtained an upturn of shoulders or an answer in a word.
Try to turn it over. Instead of asking your child to open up first, share something of your time: “Today, it was a kind of roller coaster. I was excited by something in the morning, but then something did not expect as I expected, and I felt frustrated. I walked and I felt better at the end of the day. And now I am excited to see you and to hear about your day.”
This model of reflection and emotional consciousnessAnd teaches children to do the same.
5. Make a real conversation in part of your routine
A simple but powerful means of Keep the communication that flows is to transform it into family routines.
In my house, we make “a high top“” at dinner. Each person shares a highlight of their day, something that was difficult and another positive moment.
Even my youngest – only two years – asks it every night. It has become a rhythm that creates a space for joy and struggle, woven in everyday life.
6. also teach adaptation strategies
When you talk about feelings, you also open the door to talk about adaptation skills that can help you manage them.
For example, after appointing your frustration aloud, you could follow him with: “When I feel that, I try to breathe deeply to help my body calm down.”
You can even practice a few soothing breaths together before bedtime. It is a simple and powerful way to show that the regulation of emotions is normal and achievable.
Confidence is built in small moments
Children always look. They don’t only hear what you say – they notice how you say it, when you say it and what you avoid.
If you want your child to trust you with big things, show them that he can trust you with little things. Validate their feelings and show them that what’s in their minds counts. Model honesty. Normalize emotions. And create a space for real conversations – even when they are messy or difficult.
When you go first, your child can see how it is and follow your example.
Kelsey Mora is a certified specialist in children’s life and approved professional clinical advisor who provides support, advice and resources on personality to parents, families and communities affected by medical conditions, trauma, sorrow and stress of daily life. She owns a private practice, mother of two children, designer and author of Method bindersand the clinical director of non -profit organization Pickle group.
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