Helping your child express their feelings is essential for their emotional well-being and development. Children who are able to express their emotions in a healthy way are more likely to have better relationships, be more resilient, and have better mental health. Here are six ways you can help your child express their feelings.
According to a report done by the Mental Health Foundation, 10% of children in the UK, aged 5-16 years old, have been diagnosed with a mental health problem, however, 70% of children and teens who have mental health problems have not had the appropriate interventions early on in their life. With this in mind, we cannot express how important it is for parents to know the way to help their children express their feelings.
- Encourage them to talk about their feelings: This can be done by asking open-ended questions and listening actively to their responses. When children feel heard and understood, they are more likely to open up and express themselves.
- Provide a safe and supportive environment: Children need to feel safe in order to express their feelings. This means creating an environment where they can speak freely without fear of judgment or ridicule.
- Use play and art to help them express themselves: Play and art can be great tools for children to express their feelings. Children can use toys, art supplies, and other materials to act out their emotions, which can help them understand and process them better.
- Model healthy expression of emotions: Children learn by observing others, so it’s important to model healthy expression of emotions. Show them how to express their feelings in a calm and appropriate way.
- Help them label their emotions: Children often have a hard time understanding and expressing their emotions. Helping them label their emotions can make it easier for them to understand and express them.
- Encourage them to use words to express their feelings: While play and art can be great tools for expression, it is also important for children to learn to use words to express their feelings. Encourage them to use words to describe their emotions and how they are feeling.
It’s important to note that while these strategies can be helpful, there may be times when additional support is needed. It is important to seek professional help if you notice that your child’s emotional difficulties are impacting their daily life or if you are unable to find the answers you need to help your child.
If you feel your child, teen or young adolescent needs to see a therapist, at Instacoach, we specialise in child, teen and young adolescent 1-2-1 therapy sessions. To book a session with us, click here.
