How to Start a conversation

Look for a natural opening

Everyday conversations with your child can easily turn into conversations about their emotional wellbeing. Sometimes, you don't even have to bring up emotional wellbeing directly.

For example, if your child shares something that’s happening with a friend or classmate, you can ask them how that makes them feel, or whether they’ve experienced something similar.
If your child turns the question around and asks if you’ve ever felt that way, use this opportunity to be open and honest about your own experiences.

Ease into the conversation

Jumping into a conversation about feelings can be intimidating - especially for a child. When it comes to initiating conversations about feelings, never rush into it. If your child is hesitant to share, try starting with the rose and thorns conversation model:

React during the conversation

Listen and acknowledge their emotions

Hearing about the things that make your child happy is just as important as hearing about the things that are challenging.

Always acknowledge the way your child feels to help normalize the conversation. This can lead to a more successful conversation in the future. Some examples include: “That sounds fun” or “That must be tough”.

The more a child becomes used to opening up, the easier it will be to have productive conversations.

Ask open-ended questions

Rather than saying something like: "tell me how you're feeling about x," start by asking a question like "what did you and your friends talk about today?" or "what's new at school?"

Focus on asking questions that may lead you to the answers you need rather than risking making them feel uncomfortable or intimidated by asking directly.

Avoid taking things personally and reacting with anger, judgement, or disapproval

Your child may say something hurtful while you're talking to them. Remember, sometimes, confusing emotions can come out as anger.

Understand the conversation

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 talk just yet.

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 changes the subject or shows that they might be uncomfortable, change the subject.

When you can, find time to bring up the subject again.

Give yourself a few minutes to feel and understand your own emotions

It's okay if you feel worried or angry. If needed, get help for yourself. Remember, it’s okay not to know what to do, feel a bit lost, and need help.

Be intentional about listening versus fixing

It's tempting to fix the challenges your child might be facing. But sometimes, it’s not about fixing things. Sometimes, it’s just about being heard.

Focus on responding with things like "that sounds really difficult," or "you have the right reaction! That would upset anyone." This tells them that you’re listening and acknowledging their emotions.

If you think your child might want help, ask kindly and without judgment: "do you want my help or do you just need to vent?" or “what would you like to do, or what might be a way to try to fix this situation?”