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Reflect on what you learned

Continue supporting your child, and keep the conversation going.

Process the conversation

Now that you’ve talked with your child about their emotions, how did it go? Take some time to reflect. 

  • What did you learn? 
  • What went well/not well? 
  • Did your child ask you to support them in a new way? If so, what is your plan to do that?
  • Also, think ahead to your next conversation. What might you do differently next time? 

If you feel like your child needs more support than you can provide, find resources on our Get Help page. 

Take care of yourself 

Parents get overwhelmed, too. It's okay if you feel worried or angry while talking with your child, or if you feel sad or disappointed if they don’t want to talk with you.

Take the time to feel and understand your own emotions. Do your best to stay calm and be patient during conversations. After conversations, consider ways for you to process and manage the emotions that came up, which could be with someone like a friend, partner, or therapist.

Remember, it’s okay if you don’t know what to say, feel a bit lost, or need outside support. You don’t have to have all of the answers. (For more tips on how to support your own mental health, visit LoveYourMindToday.org.)

Child with headphones on

Feeling stuck? Try creating music with your child instead

Sometimes it's hard to say what we're feeling. Luckily, talking isn't the only way to express feelings. Music can also be a great way to communicate. Encourage open communication with your child by listening to and even creating your own music.

View music activities

Prepare for future conversations

Teenager
It's okay if they don't want to talk right now
If you start a conversation when your child doesn't want to talk, it's okay to let the conversation go. Your child might not be ready to discuss that topic just yet.
Teenager
Find a better time to bring the subject back up in the future
Children and teens often prefer to dip in and out of conversations about their feelings. If your child seems uncomfortable or is struggling, change the subject. When you can, find time to bring up the subject again.
Teenager
Encourage your child to talk with another trusted adult
If your child won’t open up to you about certain topics, they may feel more comfortable talking with another trusted adult. Encourage them to talk with an aunt or uncle, older sibling or cousin, coach, therapist, or another adult they know well.
Conversation Starter Pack - Card with conversation starting questions

Next step: Practice with helpful tools

Get the tools you need to have better conversations with your child about their emotions.
View resources