How to talk to children when they need help?

The family gives the child the first lessons of love, trust, and understanding. This is why it is so important for parents to learn how to maintain open communication with their children and strengthen their sense of self-confidence.

When our children have difficulties, we want them to feel well, safe and turn to us for help.

It is equally important to be able to recognize when children are experiencing emotional difficulties, as they may hide or suppress their feelings. If something is bothering them, they may not tell us or ask for support in a difficult situation. This is why parents need to learn to recognize when something is wrong and how to approach their child to offer help and support.

Schedule time and create a comfortable and safe environment for your child to talk. Explain that you are ready to provide him with help and support. For example, this could be a regular walk in the fresh air — in a park, square, etc.

Listen to your children, don’t brush them off or ignore them, but take the time to listen carefully to what your child has to say. Very often children just need to be heard. Before suggesting anything, try to understand your child’s point of view. Because sometimes your anxiety can motivate you to try to make things better. However, in many cases, the best help you can offer your child is to listen carefully.

Validate and support your children’s need for help — for example, if your child tells you they are upset…