A Headucation
Welcome to a Headucation. A deep dive into all things mood science. Expert mental health insights, free audio meditations, yoga flows and much more. Created and curated by our Chirpy Collective of mental health experts. Bringing More Good Mood Days to Young Minds.
4 ways to talk about feelings when your kids run a mile
If every time you try to talk about feelings with your kids they suddenly find something else — anything else — to do, you're not alone! Many parents worry when their child avoids talking about their internal feelings, but this behaviour is usually not because the child dislikes communication. Instead, children often avoid these discussions because the feelings themselves can feel intense, weird, awkward, or trapping. To help children open up: Avoid "big talks": Sitting down for formal conversations creates pressure on a child’s nervous system, causing them to go tense or shut down. It is more effective to have conversations in side-by-side settings where there is no direct eye contact, such as during a walk or while in the car. Use statements instead of direct questions: Asking direct questions like, "Are you okay?" can be counterproductive. Using statements, such as, "That looked like a really tough moment", lowers the child's guard and makes it easier for them to engage. Model emotional language: Narrate your own feelings when they occur. For example, telling a child, "I had a really stressful day and I’m feeling a bit flat now", helps teach them the vocabulary to express their own emotions. Reflect, don't fix: When a child finally opens up, resist the urge to provide immediate solutions. Instead, validate their experience with phrases like, "That sounds really tough.", or "I totally get why you feel that way." Creating a space that feels safe and free of pressure allows for more meaningful, ongoing conversations—and may just stop them from rolling their eyes and leaving the room. 😊
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