How to Help Your Kids Talk About Hard Things: The Counterintuitive Way to Get Them to Open Up

If you know your child is struggling but every attempt to talk about it seems to make them shut down, you are not alone. Many parents can see when something is wrong, but getting kids to open up about difficult emotions is often much harder than it seems. In this episode, I share practical parenting skills that therapists use to help children feel safe enough to talk, along with positive ways to talk to your child that reduce pressure and increase connection.We’ll explore why direct questioning often backfires, how kids develop different ways of expressing emotions, and why strong communication with children starts with listening rather than interrogating. Whether your child is struggling with friendships, school transitions, anxiety, or something they simply cannot put into words, these strategies can help create conversations that feel natural and supportive.In this episode, we cover:Why direct questions can sometimes shut down communication with childrenSimple positive ways to talk to your child without making them feel pressuredHow different kids develop different ways of expressing emotionsThe role of strong parenting skills when children are struggling emotionallyWhy silence can be one of the most powerful tools in communication with childrenHow to use storytelling as one of your positive ways to talk to your childWhat therapists understand about ways of expressing emotions that many parents missHow effective parenting skills help children feel safe enough to open upIf you are looking for positive ways to talk to your child, want to strengthen communication with children, better understand different ways of expressing emotions, and build stronger parenting skills, this episode will give you practical tools you can start using right away.LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsCalm and Connected ProgramInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!