Encouraging children to express themselves can be both an easy thing and a very difficult one. After all, some kids love to express their thoughts and feelings! You’re never unsure of what they’re going through, and all because they feel comfortable enough to share with you!
But what about when your child has a bit of trouble opening up in the same way? Does it mean they’re not comfortable? Not necessarily. It just might mean they need a little more encouragement on what to do and how to go about it.
And remember, it’s not just teenagers who can find it hard to talk to their parents. Younger children, and even those pre-school aged, can find it very difficult to communicate anything going on inside.
And while that’s somewhat normal – with young children not quite having the language for this kind of thing yet – it can become a worry. When it does, we recommend trying out the ideas below.
Follow Their Example
If you want your child to know it’s OK for them to express themself, and how important it is that they do so, you need to let them lead the way. Let them be the one to decide how the conversation goes, and what language they use to let their emotions out.
You can then get a much better idea of the kind of communicator your child is right now. For example, if they turn to drawing things and pointing to the paper, you know your child is more of a visual based communicator.
Or if your child is a bit older, and finds it easier to write things down and let you read it, it could be a sign they find oral communication very tricky. But in letting them lead the way, and accepting their communication style, you’ll set the stage for encouragement in a very positive way.
Talk About Your Own Emotions
You’ve let your child lead the way, now it’s your turn! Talking about your own emotions in front of your kids is a good way to let them know it’s OK to be honest. That people are allowed to let their feelings out, even if they feel big and awkward.
Of course, it’s hard to be truly honest about adult emotions in front of kids, but you don’t quite need to be here. You just need to use simple and child-friendly words to describe what you’re feeling.
When you’re down, you can tell your child you’re feeling sad. When you’re upset, you can say you’re feeling angry. Keep it simple, keep it honest, and let the kids see you do it. It’ll be really good practice for them!
Talk to a Therapist
Sometimes you need a little bit of extra help in encouraging your child to express themself. It’s OK to admit you’re feeling a little out of your depth or need some advice on letting them feel like they can open up to you.
This step is often essential when you have a child with special needs. It’s hard to be there for them on your own, and you do need a professional to provide a little more structured advice.
Indeed, you can learn a lot about how to help them yourself by attending sessions with a therapist, or you can try an autism support app in the comfort of your own home.
Either way, you’re going the extra mile to help your child find a way to communicate in a way that feels effective. That’s never a bad thing!
Encourage Expression in Children Can Be Difficult
But it’s not an impossible feat for a parent to manage.
You can encourage your child to express themself by letting them take the lead, finding the expression level they’re most comfortable with, and taking part in a way that feels right to them.
You can also set an example for them by being open about your own feelings. Letting kids know they’re allowed to express what’s going on inside their head and body is a great way to get a better insight into what they’re thinking and feeling. When you make it normal, it becomes normal!
And then we come to the potential need for therapy. It’s OK to think your child might benefit from speaking to a professional, whether you’re thinking of getting them tested or not.
But above all, when your child is finding it difficult to express themself, it’s always best to try something like the ideas above.
