As a parent, it’s inevitable to face challenging conversations with your child. Whether it’s an upcoming move, illness, or death in the family, delivering difficult news requires empathy and honesty. A therapist and mom of two, Kelsey Mora, shares five phrases that emotionally intelligent parents use to navigate these tough talks.
When discussing hard topics, it’s crucial to create a safe space for your child. This means being open, honest, and validating their emotions. Here are five phrases to help you get started:
1. **”I have something important to talk to you about.”** Preparing your child ahead of time can help their nervous system regulate and prepares them for the conversation.
2. **”We can talk about this.”** This phrase encourages open communication, helping kids feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
3. **”All feelings are okay.”** Validating emotions is essential, allowing kids to process and express a range of feelings in a healthy way.
4. **”We can choose _______.”** Providing choices gives kids a sense of control and structure during chaotic times.
5. **”We’re going to get through this together.”** This phrase emphasizes the importance of unity and support as a family.
By using these phrases, you can create a supportive environment that helps your child build trust, manage emotions, and develop resilience. Remember, normalizing difficult conversations is key to helping kids cope with life’s challenges.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/06/phrases-emotionally-intelligent-parents-use-to-talk-to-kids-about-hard-things.html