Share
23rd August 2024
09:09am BST
Brought to you by HelloFresh
The back to school period can be a tough time for parents and children alike. From juggling new schedules to meeting new people to adjusting to a routine, it can all feel a little overwhelming.
We all know that a problem shared is a problem halved, but let's face it, it's not always easy to get our kids to open up about their emotions.
If this rings true for your family, we've got some tips that may help your child share more.
Share how you feel first
As parents, it's important that we lead by example, to model that it's OK to express yourselves. Something bothered you about your day? Share it! Even if they don't follow suit, they'll know that you're a safe space to open up to in the future.
Let them know their feelings are valid
Make a conscious effort to reiterate to your child that their feelings – even if they're sad, angry or worried – are valid.
Engage them in an activity
They may feel comfortable sharing their feelings if you're already doing something else, such as colouring, playing, cycling or cooking. If cooking is your thing, HelloFresh have made it super easy thanks to their easy step-by-step instructions and pre-measured ingredients. There's less stress when you cook with HelloFresh, so you can focus on what's really important – honest conversations with your child. Grab the aprons, recruit your little helper and get cooking. Afterwards, you'll have a delicious meal to tuck in to, and eating is another great time to check in on their feelings.
Let them know there are other ways to express themselves other than talking
Your child may feel more secure expressing their feelings in other ways. Set them up with a journal, or encourage them to express how they feel through colouring or painting, or through their teddies.
Currently, HelloFresh is giving HerFamily readers an exclusive offer of 50% off your first box if you use the code HER50 at checkout. Follow the link here.
